Erasmus Shalihaxwe
Acting Executive Director in the Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Creation Aune Mudjanima, said the ministry has finally enacted the Code of Good Practice for Labour Inspectors that will serve as their operational standard procedures.
A communication issued by the ministry last week stated that Labour Inspectors are appointed in terms of the Labour Act 2007, (Act. No. 11 of 2007) and they are tasked with legal duties of enforcement of the law on Basic Conditions of Employment and Occupational Safety and Health.
The Code of Good Practice became effective on 23 October and is published in the Government Gazette.
‘’The Code of Good Practice aims to serve as a guideline for establishing credible ethical standards and consistent professional behaviour expected of Labour Inspectors; set out the standards of good practice, ethics and other obligations that govern the profession and conduct of Labour Inspectors; and act as a guide for labour inspectors of what is expected of them as public servants and ensure a high degree of professionalism, respect, neutrality and integrity when performing their duties,’’ said Mudjanima.
She added that the standards of conduct and other obligations of the Code of Good Practice are based on various fundamental principles such as the courteous provision of services towards the public and other government officials irrespective of personal traits or occupational status. It further places a high premium on punctuality, faithful and compassionate observance of appointments with employees, employers and other officials, prompt handling of correspondences, labour inspections and investigations with integrity, neutrality and objectivity.
‘’The Code further requires Labour Inspectors to maintain a good reputation and to conduct enforcement with honesty, transparency, firmness and accountability; and jealously guard one’s independence of action by not accepting favours from customers, which could influence decisions and be construed as constituting bribery or allowing to be influenced by outside forces,’’ she stated.
Mundjanima further cautioned that the bar is set high for labour inspectors, as the Code of Good Practice requires their dedication to the values enshrined in professionalism, transparency, equality, impartiality, integrity, confidentiality, respect and responsiveness. The Code further restricts labour inspectors from making public expressions of the prejudice of the administration of the Labour Act as well as that of the Ministry.
‘’Contravention or non-compliance with the Code of Good Practices could attract misconducts as contemplated in the Public Service Act, 1995 (Act No. 13 of 1995) and must be dealt with in terms of that Act. The Code of Good Practices is subject to review every five (5) years,’’ Mudjanima warned.
