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CWU welcomes Sentech turnaround
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PDF The Communication Workers Union (CWU) has welcomed Sentech’s new corporate plan – saying it is hopeful the recently unveiled strategy was a move in the right direction.
Referring to the state-owned enterprises recently released corporate plan, CWU representative, Alfred Hlongwane, noted that the company had the full backing of the union on its new focus and objectives.
“We are very excited with the new strategy. We believe it will be successful because it is premised on the directives of the shareholder (Department of Communications) and really takes into consideration the concerns of the union. Our members pledge support to the turnaround and we can see that the company is now moving in the right direction,” Hlongwane explained.
The company has come under fire over the years for poor financial management; a lack of effective internal governance structures; failing to effectively carry out its mandate and for not completing major projects as it failed to secure the necessary funding.
Hlongwane noted that the union had been concerned about the state of the SOE for over 8 years – saying it had continued to be a loss making entity. He welcomed the forensic investigation – which was carried out while previous Communications minister, Siphiwe Nyanda, was in charge – and noted that the company had taken several positive steps since.
A task team report released last year, revealed that the signal distributor was in urgent need of a turnaround strategy. This followed findings that there was a lack of accountability in the company and violations of Acts and policies regulating financial management; that the exco members had not efficiently managed the business as well as misaligned business strategy.
The SOE also posted a loss for the 2009/10 financial year of between after R191-million in losses was posted between 2005 and 2009.
Following the suspension of six procurement officials, Hlongwane also welcomed the company’s attempt to stamp out corruption.
“We have also made a commitment to not tolerate corruption and will support management in stamping out corruption whether it comes from our members or not”, Hlongwane added.
He added that as the only recognised union within the company, the union welcomed consultation with the SOE and would continue to support changes within the company.
“We pledge our support to the company’s turnaround which we believe shows the results of what can be achieved with effective consultation between employer and employees,” Hlongwane noted.
