IN CONVERSATION WITH ELIJAH MHLANGA
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The Forum for South Africa (FOSA) has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the Gauteng Department of Education following its announcement of a delay in paying stipends to teacher assistants and general workers—a move the organisation says reflects a deep-seated lack of care and urgency within government departments.
In a statement released on 1 July 2025, FOSA criticised the department’s failure to communicate the delay timeously, noting that the recruitment and onboarding process began as far back as 1 June, yet beneficiaries were only informed of complications a month later.
“We do not think the department understands the deeper impact of such a delay,” said Tebogo Mashilompane, FOSA’s national leader. “These stipends support families and households. The delay is not just administrative—it’s personal.”
Miscommunication and Accountability Concerns
FOSA also questioned the department’s explanation that the delay was due to missing documents and incorrect banking details, arguing that such issues should have been communicated to individuals much earlier in the process.
“Had those responsible acted timeously and communicated effectively, many of the current inconveniences could have been avoided,” the statement read.
The group highlighted a broader issue of poor accountability in government, citing examples from other departments, including a case involving a Department of Water and Sanitation employee who has reportedly not been paid for months due to an unresolved administrative error.
Failure to Uphold Batho Pele Principles
FOSA further accused the education department—and others—of failing to uphold the Batho Pele principles, which promote people-first service delivery in public institutions.
“We continue to see files lying unattended, delays in approvals, and a general lack of urgency. The 'I don't care' attitude persists across many departments,” said Mashilompane.
The forum also criticised the alleged appointment of incompetent or politically connected individuals, arguing that such practices weaken service delivery and disregard the needs of ordinary South Africans.
Call for Urgent Action
FOSA is calling on the Gauteng Department of Education to urgently prioritise the livelihoods of teacher assistants and general workers, stressing that the stipend is not a luxury but a critical source of income for many vulnerable households.
“It’s time government departments take these matters seriously, with empathy and a sense of Ubuntu,” Mashilompane concluded.
In a statement released on 1 July 2025, FOSA criticised the department’s failure to communicate the delay timeously, noting that the recruitment and onboarding process began as far back as 1 June, yet beneficiaries were only informed of complications a month later.
“We do not think the department understands the deeper impact of such a delay,” said Tebogo Mashilompane, FOSA’s national leader. “These stipends support families and households. The delay is not just administrative—it’s personal.”
Miscommunication and Accountability Concerns
FOSA also questioned the department’s explanation that the delay was due to missing documents and incorrect banking details, arguing that such issues should have been communicated to individuals much earlier in the process.
“Had those responsible acted timeously and communicated effectively, many of the current inconveniences could have been avoided,” the statement read.
The group highlighted a broader issue of poor accountability in government, citing examples from other departments, including a case involving a Department of Water and Sanitation employee who has reportedly not been paid for months due to an unresolved administrative error.
Failure to Uphold Batho Pele Principles
FOSA further accused the education department—and others—of failing to uphold the Batho Pele principles, which promote people-first service delivery in public institutions.
“We continue to see files lying unattended, delays in approvals, and a general lack of urgency. The 'I don't care' attitude persists across many departments,” said Mashilompane.
The forum also criticised the alleged appointment of incompetent or politically connected individuals, arguing that such practices weaken service delivery and disregard the needs of ordinary South Africans.
Call for Urgent Action
FOSA is calling on the Gauteng Department of Education to urgently prioritise the livelihoods of teacher assistants and general workers, stressing that the stipend is not a luxury but a critical source of income for many vulnerable households.
“It’s time government departments take these matters seriously, with empathy and a sense of Ubuntu,” Mashilompane concluded.
