1. It has come to the attention of the department that a significant number of line managers (including heads of educational institutions) have not established job descriptions for the public service staff under their control (refer to Circular No. 82/2002 of 11 July 2002).
2. Owing to the poor response regarding the submission of the certificates for completion (see Appendix A of Circular No. 82/2002) by managers and after giving due consideration to the few meritorious reasons for non-compliance received, it has been decided to extend the due date for the submission of the certificates to 27 June 2003.
3. From enquiries and representations received from various role-players, including personnel associations it is evident that some staff members are not well informed about the concept of job descriptions.
4. It must therefore be emphasised that although the responsibility of establishing the job descriptions rests with the line manager, these documents must be compiled in conjunction with the line manager’s subordinate staff members. Line managers must therefore ensure that their subordinates are aware of the processes attached to establishing job descriptions.
5. The helpdesk, where questions can be posed and answered, which was established by the WCED at the inception of this process is also still operational to support you. All officials are urged to study the content of the procedure manual on job descriptions for public service personnel. Attached is Appendix B “Frequently asked questions…”, which seeks to answer some of the questions recorded. It should however be mentioned that the answers do not take into account the unique circumstances that might apply at certain educational institutions. With due regard to financial and other constraints, the need for personal support/guidance from the staff of the Directorate: Personnel Management (Public Service) will also be considered upon request.
6. The completed certificates (Appendix A) must be sent to the Job Description Officer, Mr E. Gierdien on or before 27 June 2003. The WCED is confident that a concerted effort will be made to establish job descriptions or to revise the existing descriptions for all public service staff.
7. Heads of Institutions or directors must confirm that all the job descriptions in their respective institutions or directorates have been compiled according to the approved format.
8. Please bring the contents of this circular to the attention of all public service staff under your control.
9. Enquiries may be directed to the following officers: 
Ms L.P. Bovana          Telephone: 021 467 2471       
Ms G.M. Malan           Telephone: 021 467 2155
Mr E. Gierdien          Telephone: 021 467 2157


SIGNED: J.H. HURTER
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2003:05:28

Annexure A: Certificate of completion  (size: 11 KB)
Annexure B: Frequently asked questions  (size: 16 KB)