SICK EDUCATION PS: WHY I WON’T STOP VISITING OFFICE

MBABANE – Despite being advised to remain at home, PS in the Ministry of Education and Training, Bhekithemba Gama, insists that he will continue visiting his office.

Gama said this is part of his recovery and described the visits to the office as therapeutic. He clarified that he was not engaging in any official duties or meetings during these visits, but merely spent time reading newspapers. He stated that being on leave does not prevent him from coming to the office.  This follows remarks by the Minister of Education and Training, Owen Nxumalo, who said Gama is expected to report to the Civil Service Commission (CSC) or Secretary to Cabinet, once he is fully recovered, allowing a formal memorandum to guide a smooth transition back to work. Nxumalo also advised Gama against calling the ministry’s staff to his office during these visits.

Conference

During a press conference that was held yesterday in the Ministry of Education and Training boardroom, to address housekeeping issues, Nxumalo said the CSC, after observing Gama’s ill-health, decided to request him to take a special but fully-paid leave (six months leave to recuperate), so that he can focus on his recovery, away from all the work pressures.  According to Nxumalo, this was communicated in person to the principal secretary (PS) by the CSC chairperson, secretary to Cabinet and attorney general’s (AG) representative. Nxumalo stated that Gama was advised to recuperate at home until such a time; he would be ready to resume his duties.

“This was further supported by a memorandum dated July 18, 2024. The ministry, therefore, expects the PS to report to the CSC or secretary to Cabinet, once he is recovered and ready to assume office, who will then write another memorandum and advise the ministry on the steps that need to be taken for a smooth transition,” Nxumalo said.Adding, the minister explained that this is because the same employer, in the same vein, requested Nanikie Mnisi, the incumbent Under Secretary (US) Administration to act as the PS, with effect from July 23, 2024, for a period not exceeding six months.

Nxumalo said it should be noted that the ministry, including himself, has not received anything to that effect. “As a ministry, we know the PS as a professional, who knows what needs to be done, including in this situation,” he said. Furthermore, he requested Gama to refrain from calling officers in the ministry to his office during his visits. Also, Nxumalo mentioned that the acting PS is not in a position to take orders from the PS in the meantime, until there is an official communication from the employer and/or secretary to Cabinet. “In conclusion, I would like to plead with media houses to treat this issue with utmost humility, privacy and respect. If possible, let us all work together to positively support him on his road to recovery,” Nxumalo requested. Meanwhile, Gama said he will continue to visit his office as a form of personal therapy.  According to Gama, these visits are not for official work or staff engagement; instead, he uses the time to read newspapers and spend quiet moments in the office.

Transition

He emphasised that these visits are strictly therapeutic, helping him transition back to work life at his own pace. When asked about the CSC’s request, he responded by asking if he was appointed by the CSC to the position. Gama explained that he was requested to recover and that going to the office is part of his recovery. Adding, he also clarified that the CSC did not say he should not come to work while on leave. “A person while on leave can go to his office. I am not working or talking to anyone. I come to the office and read newspapers, because it is therapeutic. After that, I then go back without talking to anyone,” Gama said. He mentioned that he will not stop coming to his office as it is therapy for him.  “Even tomorrow (today) I will be in the office. Even the next day, I will be in the office, because I am coming at my own will. I am not working yet, but reading the newspaper,” he said.

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