| 1. |
The annual leave dispensation for public service staff was set out in Circular 0231/2003 of 1 December 2003. |
| 2. |
It was explained in the circular that all public service staff at educational institutions are entitled to 27 working days' leave per annum, of which at least 22 days must be taken during the period when the school or training institution closes for holidays. The remaining 5 days may be taken while the institution is in operation. |
| 3. |
In the circular heads of institutions were also requested to ensure that they adhere to the principles of fairness and equity when granting leave. |
| 4. |
However, there seems to be a misunderstanding of the annual leave dispensation amongst both heads of institutions and public service staff. |
| 5. |
The understanding is simply that all public service staff must be on duty during school terms as well as school and institution closure periods, except for the periods during which they are on leave. In all such cases the leave period/period of absence from duty must be covered by approved leave, i.e. a duly completed leave form must be submitted to the WCED. The aforementioned means that any public service staff member who is absent from duty for whatever reason, must submit the prescribed leave forms. |
| 6. |
The only staff members who are not required to submit leave forms in respect of their annual leave, are educators who are regarded as being on annual leave during school closure periods (school vacations). |
| 7. |
All public service staff, i.e. administrative staff and general workers, are entitled to no more than 27 working days leave per annum. Should more leave than this be taken, leave without pay will have to be granted (should the employee not have capped leave to his or her credit). |
| 8. |
Heads of institutions are kindly requested to submit applications for leave to this office as soon as possible. |
| 9. |
Please bring the contents of this circular to the attention of all public service staff under your control and ensure that the chairperson of your governing body receives a copy. |
| 10. |
Your co-operation in the above regard will be appreciated. |
SIGNED: PA VINJEVOLD
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2009:11:26
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