Press Statement dated 6 July 2018
As the PSA turns 98 years old, surging ahead towards that magical 100-year milestone in 2020, the Union of Choice remains the strongest, non-politically affiliated voice of public servants. Despite the signing of the multi-year public-sector wage agreement, that will plunge workers into financial hardship, the PSA will continue to be the workers’ voice. The PSA through its entire existence has shown the leadership and willingness to engage with changing and challenging realities. This is never an easy task, contending with competing interests and with conflicting priorities.
The public service is continually plagued with reports of poor service delivery, financial mismanagement, and corruption. This unfair situation, coupled with various other factors, has a demoralising effect on public servants who are often blamed for leadership failures.
However, the PSA through a fundamental commitment to putting the interests of people and members first will continue in its efforts to ensure that corrupt government officials are taken to task.
“To all our detractors who said this organisation will not last, we are still standing! 242 000 members bears testimony to the this. We have achieved a great deal, but we still need to be vigilant, both to protect the gains we have made and to insist that the resources of the PSA are used honestly, efficiently, and fairly to create opportunity and deliver excellent services for all our members. To rise within any structure or organisation means that we must make personal investments and sacrifices in time, building relationships, and making positive contributions. Today, we remember those who laid the foundations before us, who set us on this path to ensure that public servants can also benefit from the economy that they serve”, says General Manager Ivan Fredericks.
The PSA calls on all citizens to recognise the value and virtue of the services being rendered to them by public servants. We are continuing in our efforts to restore pride in the public service and to rebuild trust within our communities. The PSA is ready to work with all stakeholders to find solutions to the challenges that impact negatively on public services.
Break the boundaries! Re-write history! Change destiny! AMANDLA!
Issued by Ivan Fredericks, General Manager, Public Servants Association (PSA)