17 Dec 2020

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs, Dr Themba Mmusi says deteriorating conditions of some staff houses at Mamuno Border Gate is distressing.

Speaking after touring Mamuno staff houses on December 14, he stated that it was distressing to witness that some staff houses were not habitable. 

He regretted that the staff had no choice but to stay in such conditions because of lack of accommodation. He however pledged to do everything within his powers to better the situation.     

The defects ranged from falling ceilings, detached doors to bad sewage systems. 

Before touring the houses, Dr Mmusi addressed Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs staff where he pleaded with them to remain recommitted to service delivery to make the ministry to shine. 

He said it was important to keep human resource happy by dealing with staff welfare issues and providing feedback.

Relaying staff concerns to the permanent secretary, head of department of immigration, Ms Angela Sigwele said most staff houses were dilapidated and needed urgent maintenance. 

She stated that the department was experiencing a challenge of shortage of staff which affected service delivery, adding that trans-border crossing had increased over the years,.

She explained they must operate with 14 officers per shift, but due to shortage of staff they currently operated with 9 officers per shift, which overstretched staff.

Ms Sigwele called for general office refurbishment. 

She said shortage of uniform and protective clothing was also a challenge.

Civil and national registration representative, Charleshill office Ms Gotshwanetse Ekenyane stated they had challenge in assisting people living in gazetted settlements. ends