$1,000 for EAP for stressed public servants

“I really have to bring up the EAP because that is very dear to my heart. We are a department that has experienced in the past...We had an officer that was shot on our compound, someone who was killed.

“We had an officer who two years ago took his life; he committed suicide. We have had threats from members of the public and public officers against our lives. Therefore, we work in an environment...

People may not realise the type of environment you work in at the Services Commission Department.

Persons attempt to bribe you, they threaten your life for employment etcetera, plus the department staff work long hours that impacts on their family life etcetera.

“And for this financial year, I got a thousand dollars (for EAP) for which I don’t need to say anything further.” Chairman Ian Roach replied, “I’m embarrassed to hear that. Really.

I was hoping to bring this hearing to a positive conclusion on a positive note but that is very dismal information coming from you. Disheartening.

“I think that for the Public Service that provides such a critical service to the country as a whole, some focus of its critical needs must be addressed as a matter of urgency and a matter of necessity. So I hope that whoever is hearing us today, and when we finalise our report and reflect some of these comments coming from you, that something will be done as soon as possible.