We are all employed for a particular reason and paid according to our jobs and requirements.
Many of us, those who are privileged to work, wake up daily, in some instances not because we like it, but to put bread on the table.
This requires maximum output, commitment to the course and dedication. Maximum output means we do our best and put our best foot forward. We strive to deliver even though conditions may not be not favourable. We work until we cannot do it anymore.
Commitment to the course means we put our hearts into what we do to ensure we produce the desired outcomes no matter the circumstances. Dedication means we set time aside to focus on the task at hand.
These are particularly fundamental for any business to succeed. Those in the private sector, especially top management, will confirm time is not everything. The bottom-line matters. This refers to the profits and business sustainability. These ensure longevity and business growth.
The same cannot be said of the government or civil servants. Our taxes sustain most government departments. Yes, there are departments that are income generators. However, zeal among workers in the private and public sectors is not the same.
There are many dysfunctional government departments and state-owned enterprises (SOEs), yet employees still demand salary increases and bonuses for being part of failed entities, unthinkable in the private sector.
In most companies employees get increases and bonuses based on performance or through individual evaluation in the form of their KPAs (Key Performance Areas) or KPIs (Key Performance Indicators). You do not just get a bonus or increase; instead you earn it depending on your score.
This is also a driving force for some employees. People know they will not get recognition if they do not deliver or achieve certain scores. Suggest this to our government colleagues and there will be blood on the floor.
The government is there to render services, yet this is often appalling, to say the least. It is rare to hear people complimenting government departments or services. Yes, there are individuals who go the extra mile, but also rotten potatoes that must go to waste.
I salute the many doctors who work at state hospitals. I had the opportunity to see what they go through daily in trying and at times dangerous conditions. These are individuals who deserve salary increases. They work in unfashionable areas, serving our communities with passion and commitment.
The City of Cape Town is often praised for its efficiency, looking at other municipalities across the country, and they are found to be doing an excellent job. This has somehow been tainted lately. We have heard and written about many complaints of poor service delivery.
I have now also fallen victim to its inefficiency. Without giving the exact dates, in the second half of last year I formally lodged a complaint about my neighbour’s illegally-constructed structure.
Numerous calls and emails were exchanged between some City officials and me. None of them bothered to respond. I always had to phone, WhatsApp or email them. They always promise swift action and, to date, nothing has come out of my grievance. The next move is now to escalate the matter to their line managers.
This is hard to understand. Why must we always fight to get what is due to us? How long must we fight? Why can’t we get services without raising our voices or taking the next step? These are people who will be demanding increases and bonuses from the municipality. Why must someone get an increase or bonus when they cannot do their work?
Our government must put our needs first before the pockets of their employees. We cannot continue to suffer due to incompetent individuals who are in positions of power.
