KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Social Development, Mbali Shinga, has reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening relations between the department and organised labour following a successful engagement with unions representing workers in the sector.
The meeting, held earlier today, brought together representatives from the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (NEHAWU), the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (DENOSA), and the National Professional Teachers’ Organisation of South Africa (NAPTOSA).
This engagement forms part of MEC Shinga’s ongoing programme to enhance internal communication and foster a culture of collaboration between departmental leadership and employees. It follows a series of district cluster meetings held across the province, where the MEC engaged with staff to discuss service delivery challenges and gather input from frontline workers.
During the meeting, MEC Shinga and union representatives discussed a range of issues raised during the previous engagements, including staff welfare, working conditions, and the need to improve service delivery tools and infrastructure.
The discussions were described as open and constructive, reflecting a mutual commitment to advancing the department’s transformation agenda. MEC Shinga expressed appreciation for the unions’ participation, emphasising that the success of the department depends on unity and teamwork.
“We are encouraged by the positive spirit in which this engagement was held. Our workers are at the heart of service delivery, and we remain committed to building a responsive, people-centred, and accountable department,” said MEC Shinga. “Working together with labour, we can address challenges and continue improving the lives of the people of KwaZulu-Natal.”
Union representatives welcomed the engagement, noting that it marked a significant step toward improved relations between management and employees.
DENOSA Provincial Chairperson, Zanele Gumede, commended the MEC for her openness and willingness to listen.
“As organised labour, we appreciate the MEC’s direct engagement with us and her attentiveness to workers’ concerns. This kind of leadership promotes transparency and builds trust, which is vital for boosting morale and improving service delivery,” Gumede said.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to continue holding regular engagements between the department and organised labour. Both parties also agreed to establish a joint platform to track progress on matters raised during discussions.
MEC Shinga thanked the unions for their continued partnership, reaffirming her commitment to maintaining an open-door policy aimed at strengthening workplace relations and service delivery.
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