Question NW37 to the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development
15 August 2024 - NW37
Tito, Ms LF to ask the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development
What are the reasons that employees at the Masters Office, in the Northern Cape High Court, Kimberley, take prolonged lunch breaks from 12:00 until 14h00 effectively causing the closure of operations and denial of access to services to members of the public?
Reply:
The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, in line with its commitment to the Batho Pele principles of “People First”, considers the efficient and professional delivery of justice services as fundamentally important. Members of the public must receive quality, accessible and transparent services at all times.
The Department did ascertain, from both officials internally and from external stakeholders, that no such prolonged lunch breaks, as mentioned by the Honourable Member of Parliament, were taking place.
The Department’s lunch break for officials is 45 minutes in accordance with the provisions of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, 1997 (Act 75 of 1997). Officials are expected to be back at their stations immediately after lunch. This practice is regulated and governed by the relevant prescripts and other public service regulations.
The Honourable Member can be assured that the matter will be closely monitored going forward and that unannounced “spot check” visits will be done to ensure that the regulations are adhered to at all times.