TRADE unions representing staff at the Government Printing Works (GPW) have lodged complaints against its chief executive, Alinah Fosi, who they accuse of being hired without meeting the necessary requirements and bullying subordinates, among others.

The Public Servants Association (PSA) and the National Education, Health, and Allied Workers' Union (Nehawu) have brought a litany of grievances against Fosi to the attention of ANC MP Mosa Chabane, the chairperson of the National Assembly’s Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs.

As a Department of Home Affairs entity, the GPW is a strategic state body responsible for the secure production of key documents such as examination material, smart card identity documents, passports, birth certificates, tender bulletins, government gazettes, and stationery.

In the submissions, the PSA complains that it raised strong objections to Fosi’s appointment due to various reasons, including non-compliance with the position’s requirements.

According to the PSA, Fosi did not meet the necessary requirements for the position of GPW chief executive.

“The requirements and criteria for the role were amended to facilitate her appointment,” the union alleged.

In addition, the PSA described her management style as “oppressive” before she was permanently appointed.

“While serving as acting CEO, Fosi exhibited oppressive and distrustful management practices, which sparked complaints from employees across different levels.”

She is also accused of frequently refusing to sign submissions and approvals, resulting in significant operational delays at GPW.

The union also complained that before her appointment there was a complaint of alleged assault of a female employee.

“She physically and verbally assaulted a female employee who was hospitalised for months due to major depression and trauma.

“The employee lodged a grievance, which resulted in Fosi being given a mere slap on the wrist by being issued a written warning,” reads the submission.

An investigation by the Public Service Commission (PSC) recommended disciplinary action against her for manipulating supply chain management processes to benefit a service provider she favoured, according to the PSA.

The union also accuses her of coercing a manager on contract at the GPW into manipulating processes with promises of permanent appointment from fixed-term contracts, which were not honoured, leading to the PSC investigation.

”The investigation established that Fosi committed misconduct and recommended disciplinary action against her,” the PSA explained.

The union became aware of these allegations and opposed Fosi’s appointment, expressing disappointment that no disciplinary action was taken against her despite the PSC’s recommendations.

Working conditions under Fosi’s leadership are also described as hostile, with employees working under fear due to bullying, threats and intimidation.

In 2020, GPW was informed that there was a risk its system would collapse, and when this happened, it caused data loss and delays in service delivery, as well as the execution of the entity’s mandate, resulting in several litigation matters against the department.

The PSA has also raised concerns about Fosi’s non-compliance with the requirements for her position, her oppressive and hostile management style, abuse of power, irregular recruitment practices, misuse of disciplinary procedures, and the undermining of internal labour relations processes, as well as alleged acts of misconduct and possible corruption.

The portfolio committee has been urged to take the concerns raised into serious consideration and initiate a thorough investigation into Fosi’s conduct and broader governance issues at GPW.

”It is imperative that steps be taken to restore trust, ensure fair labour practices, and safeguard the integrity of this national key point,” the union added.

It also wants the portfolio committee to urgently launch an independent investigation into management appointments since 2022, conduct a surprise visit to GPW offices, interview staff, and improve communication channels.

Additionally, the portfolio committee should limit outsourcing to 30% and investigate potential corruption, financial mismanagement, and maladministration, as well as ensure GPW is restored to a functional, stable, and sustainable organisation.

Chabane told the Sunday Independent that the committee met with Home Affairs Minister Dr. Leon Schreiber and his deputy Njabulo Nzuza on issues raised by different stakeholders at the GPW—management, workers, and labour.

“The committee has resolved with the executive (Schreiber and Nzuza) to visit the GPW by the end of November, and a report will then be tabled before the committee.

“We are happy that both the minister and deputy minister committed to the decision. We will thereafter receive their report,” Chabane said.

Fosi had not responded to requests for comment.

loyiso.sidimba@inl.co.za

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Unions warn of collapse of Government Printing Works