Siphelele Nketo 

MATATIELE Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape has rejected claims that municipal employees are being locked out of municipal offices. The municipality further explained that not a single employee was denied access to the workplace.

It said municipal offices remained accessible. In a statement, the municipality said employees were directed to use an alternative entrance to enable them to record their attendance.

“This was a normal administrative arrangement and did not prevent employees from accessing their workplace or performing their duties,” municipal spokesperson Ndabuko Masumpa stated.

He went on to say that the late reporting for duty is not a significant challenge within the institution. In addition, Masumpa said monitoring employee attendance remains part of normal administrative responsibilities aimed at promoting accountability and effective service delivery.

“The municipality is particularly concerned about the circulation of an image on social media, which subsequently attracted media attention without adequately reflecting the circumstances surrounding the incident. This contributed to an exaggerated and misleading impression of an ordinary administrative measure,” he added.

Apart from stating the facts, the municipality reminded members of the public about its primary focus, saying that it remains committed to improving the lives of communities.

The municipality announced a prayer service and employee wellness programme scheduled for October 30 to strengthen working relationships, promote employee well-being and foster institutional unity.