By BAKANG MOKOTO
The Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration commands and applauds the Minister of Public Service and Administration, Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi and his department for granting the Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber and his department additional overtime hours for the next three months to meet targets and reduce the home affairs services backlog.
The Chairperson of the Committee, Jan De Villers said the committee understands and supports the interim measure of granting the Department of Home Affairs a three-month period of overtime to the officials to reduce the VISA backlog. He further said these interventions will assist in ensuring the country attracts critical skills that businesses need to grow the economy and reduce rising unemployment rate.
De Villers added that the collaboration by the two departments clearly demonstrates the spirit of commitment to a joint national effort to reconcile the nation and improve its well-being, as mentioned by President Cyril Ramaphosa in his opening of the 7th Parliament.
“Ramaphosa said that, as the Government of National Unity (GNU), we are resolved to intensify our investment drive, encouraging and enabling businesses to invest in productive capacity. We believe home affairs efforts fit within this above mentioned government commitment.
“Buthelezi’s support to Minister Schreiber will directly contribute towards the building of improved professional state capacity in Home Affairs, which will have a positive effect on job creation and economic growth. We, as the committee, look forward to also playing our part towards supporting Buthelezi and his department towards the goal of realising a professional, capable, ethical and developmental state,” he said.
The Guardian 