Mr Speaker, "We deliver, whatever it takes." Unfortunately I am not referring to the Democratic Alliance. That slogan belongs to the SA Post Office.
In a developing country like ours, the seamless distribution of information, goods, financial and government services is essential to maintain and increase economic growth. Leveraging their broad footprint, the SA Post Office has been largely successful with this. However, last year there was a prolonged strike by temporary employees contracted through labour brokers. The SA Post Office was caught unawares and the strike was concluded by terminating the contracts with labour brokers and taking on the employment of some 7 900 temporary employees at an additional R93 million to their wage bill.
Some five to six weeks ago an illegal strike reared its head yet again in parts of Gauteng, bringing operations of the SA Post Office to a virtual standstill and making a mockery of their slogan, "We deliver, whatever it takes". In both instances the SA Post Office was slow to communicate with its clients to keep them informed of the status quo. In both instances the Minister and the communications division have been eerily silent on the strikes.
I call on hon Minister Dina Pule to inform this House about measures that are being implemented to resolve the concerns of the striking workers and to ensure the sustained service of the Post Office. She needs to ensure that the SA Post Office delivers, "whatever it takes". I thank you.