Department staff and public intimidated by protesting workers

The Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) condemns the intimidation and unruly behaviour of NEHAWU members who disrupted services at our Metro South Regional Office this morning.

The Department recognises the democratic right of staff to embark on peaceful strikes and protests to bring concerns to the attention of government or any employer. However, the alleged behaviour of the group of about 39 workers, who used a loud-hailer to storm the offices section-by-section and hurl insults at fellow staff, is unbecoming.

Of greater concern is the reported intimidation staff and the public experienced as they tried to access the building. This is completely unacceptable, as DSD serves primarily the most vulnerable in our society.

There can be no excuse, under any circumstances, for why vulnerable members of the public were turned away by a group of protesting officials.

The Department's management will take appropriate disciplinary action against any staff found to have acted unlawfully.

Our priority remains delivering services to all communities in the province. We are calling on NEHAWU to show restraint and respect for the public and their fellow DSD colleagues at all times, and to resolve issues in a responsible manner.