Dear Editor
The Democratic Alliance is deeply concerned by NEHAWU’s alarming overreach into the internal affairs of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI). As a DA Member serving on the Portfolio Committee, I find it unacceptable that a union would attempt to interfere in matters that lie far outside its legal mandate.
NEHAWU has positioned itself not as a representative of workers’ rights – as is its core function – but as a self-appointed manager of the Department. In its recent letter and appearance before the Committee, NEHAWU sought to influence who the Department shortlists for appointments, what job descriptions should look like, and even how the Department should be run on an operational level.
This is not only entirely inappropriate – it is illegal. Unions have no authority to sit on recruitment panels, determine job criteria, or dictate hiring outcomes. Even more troubling is the question of how NEHAWU accessed confidential information about upcoming appointments still awaiting Cabinet approval. This breach of process must be investigated.
Further concerns arise from NEHAWU’s unusual interest in defending inflated private leases – some of which are under active investigation by the Department and the SIU due to costs far above market rates. While the Department works to cut wasteful spending and move to state-owned buildings, NEHAWU appears to be lobbying for the private landlords who stand to lose lucrative deals. This directly contradicts their claim that the Department is “bankrupt” – while simultaneously opposing efforts to curb financial waste.
It is important to highlight that NEHAWU represents only around 10% of the Department’s workforce, yet NEHAWU was given a platform to address the Committee with barely 12 hours’ notice – having received confirmation only the night before the meeting. This last-minute arrangement excluded the Public Servants Association (PSA), another recognised union in the Department. The process smacks of preferential treatment and raises serious concerns about the fairness and transparency of the Committee’s proceedings.
Given the HR-related complaints and allegations raised by NEHAWU, it is only fair and procedurally correct that the Department be given the opportunity to formally respond. One-sided submissions – especially those of a highly operational or confidential nature – should not be entertained without allowing the implicated department the chance to provide clarity, context, or corrections.
Let it be made clear: Parliament is not a branch of NEHAWU, and this Portfolio Committee is not a platform for unions to push misplaced, non-mandated, and procedurally flawed grievances. There are established channels through which labour matters should be raised – and NEHAWU knows this.
The DA will not stand by while public institutions are used to settle political or factional scores. We remain committed to protecting the independence of the Department and the integrity of Parliament’s oversight role.
Regards
Edwin Macrae Bath MP
DA Deputy Spokesperson on Public Works and Infrastructure