1. The Minister for Public Service and Administration has issued a directive that all newly appointed employees (permanent on probation) to the public service, must be familiarised with values associated with the public service, as well as provided with knowledge of the role of government, its goals, structures and key policies. To this end, a prescribed orientation programme for all newly appointed employees of the public service (excluding educators) has been introduced.
2. The directive became effective as from 1 April 2008. Thus, employees appointed for the first time in the public service on or after 1 April 2008 (permanent on probation) must, within six months of their appointment date, attend the prescribed orientation programme. The probation period of a new employee will not be confirmed unless that employee has attended the orientation programme.
3. Separate two-day courses for Salary Levels 1-5 and 6-12 respectively will be offered at various venues. Newly appointed employees will be notified of the dates, times and venues for these courses. Attendance at the course will be formalised to become part of the individual performance plans (IPP) and individual development plan (IDP) of each employee.
4. Any enquiries about the compulsory orientation programme must be directed to Dr FJ Wessels at fwessels@pgwc.gov.za or tel. no. 021 467 2568.


SIGNED: GC DE DRUYN
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2008:05:15