HOD Dr Steven Jonkers, Chief Director Ms Ann Mpotsang, Mr Ntsiki Nkosana and union representatives
Kimberley
The Department of Roads and Public Works has launched a Labour Management Forum to strengthen workplace relations and improve service delivery to communities.MEC Fufe Makatong directed the department to reinforce professionalism in line with government policy. Under Head of Department Dr Steven Jonkers, the DRPW partnered with organised labour – NEHAWU, PSA and NUPSAW – to drive the initiative.The Forum was officially launched on Wednesday, 22 April 2026.
It creates a structured, inclusive platform for management and labour to foster non-adversarial cooperation, promote employee morale, and build a more collaborative, high-performing workplace.The LMF is grounded in the Labour Relations Act and Resolution 1 of 2003. It will promote consultation, reduce conflict, and enhance workplace efficiency.
It does not replace existing Bargaining Council negotiation structures.Key functions of the Forum include: Consultation: Discuss proposed changes to working conditions. Strengthen collaboration: Position the department and organised labour as strategic partners. Information sharing: Improve transparency on policies and strategic changes. Improve relations: Enhance productivity and management-employee relationships.
Structured engagement: Provide a formal mechanism for regular dialogue and joint problem-solving. Change management support: Facilitate support during organisational changes. Transformative mediation: Improve communication to resolve current and future issues.Dr Jonkers thanked MEC Makatong for directing the department to respond to government policies through inclusive social and private sector partnerships.
He described the labour unions’ approach as constructive. “The DRPW welcomes the valuable contribution labour unions make in raising matters affecting their members. This promotes a conducive working environment that advances employee wellness and service delivery, coupled with the values of a capable and developmental state,” Jonkers said.
