The Permanent Secretary Addresses A General Staff Meeting

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Defence and Security, Ms. Botlhale Makgekgenene held a general staff meeting in the Ministry premises on the 1st of November 2022; staff members were applauded for working tirelessly in delivering services to the people despite the Covid-19 pandemic challenges.

Ms. Makgekgenene said that “the Covid-19 challenges had affected our day-to-day activities both at home and in the workplace hence the need to encourage staff to keep pressing on”.

Members of staff raised concerns of shortage of staff, lack of electronic gadgets for some officers, training plan management and inconsistency in some staff welfare procedures, to that; the Permanent Secretary assured staff members that issues of learning and development, human resource and staff welfare will be looked into by the Human Resource and Administration Unit together with heads of other relevant Units.

The Permanent Secretary further reminded officers to conduct themselves in a proper manner as per the set government standards. She stated that this could help reduce the number of disciplinary hearings and actions to be taken again improper conduct in the workplace.

On issues of health in the workplace, members of staff did request management to consider providing a gym room where officers will exercise as this will improve their mental health and general wellbeing. The Permanent Secretary indicated that there was space provided for the gym room, but it was rediverted to office space due to lack of offices within the ministry. However, the Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) Coordinator, Mr. Solomon Mphotho was assigned to look into the matter and facilitate the gym space and logistics.

In closing the meeting, the Secretary for Safety and Security, Mr. Kago Ramokate thanked the Permanent Secretary for the meeting as it gave officers a platform to air their concerns and opinions regarding their working conditions within the ministry.