This archive report was first published on 21 August 2020.
On August 21, 2020, the Auditor-General highlighted a disturbing trend in the Judiciary, where up to 10 senior officers have been acting in roles for extended periods, some for as long as 74 months, while the code allows a maximum of 18 months.
According to the Auditor-General, this practice not only results in extra pay for the officials but also denies the workers the honour and recognition that comes with substantive roles. In fact, anyone who can act for such a long period is qualified to be confirmed through the office's recruitment procedures.
It is particularly painful when the Judiciary, the custodians of justice, is found to be bending the rules. The Judiciary dispenses justice to all, including workers who may find themselves in similar or worse situations that are against the law, the rules, and policies.
Where is justice when a worker can act for more than six years? The Judiciary should be the first institution to ensure that procedures and codes are followed to the letter. Anything else is unacceptable.
Furthermore, the practice of acting positions in government has become overgrown, and it is essential that workers are only made to act when the employer is doing everything possible to recruit the replacement. We urge the Judiciary to urgently start and complete the hiring for these positions and treat jobs and roles more seriously.
