MBABANE – Despite mixed reactions from recently redeployed under secretaries (USs), the Civil Service Commission (CSC) has reaffirmed that USs remain deployable based on where their skills and capabilities are best suited.
Former Chief Roads Engineer at the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, Vincent Dlamini, who has been redeployed to Under Secretary Technical in the Ministry of Agriculture, expressed concern over the manner in which the redeployment was handled.
While acknowledging the employer’s authority to implement such transfers, Vincent criticised the lack of planning and communication surrounding the exercise.
“The employer should have a clear rationale for deployments and ensure transparency by informing affected individuals beforehand, rather than them reading about it in newspapers,” he said.
Vincent revealed that he was unaware of the transfer until he heard rumours on Monday prior to its implementation. He was particularly surprised to be transferred to the Ministry of Agriculture, noting that he holds no tertiary qualifications in agriculture and is a trained civil engineer.
“I’ll only understand my responsibilities once I arrive at the ministry. I’ll consult those already working there to clarify what my duties entail,” he added, still uncertain about the nature of his new role as technical under secretary.
Also reached for comment was former Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology (ICT), Phesheya Dube, who was redeployed to the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade as Under Secretary Administration. Dube welcomed the transfer.
“There are no hard feelings. The employer determines where one is posted. I am led by my employer and will fulfil my duties as assigned,” said Dube. He acknowledged that the transition would require some adjustment, but maintained that adapting was part of his responsibility as a civil servant. “You simply adjust and work to your full potential,” he added.
In response to public speculation that the redeployments might be demotions, CSC Chairman Simanga Mamba clarified that both Vincent Dlamini and Dube were assigned to strategic roles within the public service.
“The Ministry of Commerce is one of the key ministries driving the national economy. Civil servants are deployable based on where their skills are needed. This principle has guided the civil service since its inception,” he explained.
Mamba noted that there have been similar postings in the past, including principal secretaries assigned to head sensitive departments like the Elections Secretariat or to lead State-owned enterprises. He stated that where a posting carries a lower grade, the officer is deployed with their personal right, meaning they retain their previous salary. “Mr Dube has been deployed with his personal right to support the current PS in fulfilling the mandate of the Commerce Ministry. He brings valuable experience and expertise to the role. This does not imply that this will be his final posting – he remains eligible for future deployments to other strategic positions,” the chairman added.
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