The Station Commander, Brigadier André van Niekerk Swart of Kariega SAPS, was thrilled to share that the community recently hosted a non-sick leave function as well as a farewell function at the Barkly Street Theatre, Kariega.
The function was graced by many, including station employees and management of Kariega SAPS. Swart said absenteeism remains a challenge for many stations, hence their station actively seeks ways to reduce absenteeism by making concerted efforts to motivate members to manage their sick leave.
“The No-Sick leave function symbolises an incentive reward in the form of a function for employees who have not utilised their sick leave over a certain period. Forty-six members were commended for not utilising their sick leave from January 1, 2023 till December 31, 2023. This total is also inclusive of 20 members who have selflessly proven their commitment and ability to manage their sick leave work by not making use of any of their sick leave since the beginning of the sick leave cycle,” he said.
Sector 1 Commander, Sergeant Cisciro Jonathan added that as much as the day was about celebrating milestones in terms of sick leave utilisation, the second leg of the function also included saying bittersweet goodbyes to five retirees, Lieutenant Colonel Marius Van Zyl, Captain Hendrik Schnetler, Warrant Officer Marius Oosthuizen, Warrant Officer Riaan Ludeke (absent) and PPO Jeanne Strydom.
“Their contribution to Kariega SAPS over the years, dedication to their jobs and skill-set have left indelible prints in the hearts of many,” Jonathan said.
Brigadier Swart thanked recipients of the No-Sick leave awards for their commitment to SAPS Kariega and SAPS as a whole. He also placed emphasis on the fact that the function is a motivation tool for all employees, and hoped that next year the number of members who do not abuse their sick leave will double.
“Uitenhage SAPS will continue to strive towards improving absenteeism levels as we firmly believe that one way to motivate employees is through reward and recognition, especially from a non- monetary perspective that is within our mandate,” Swart concluded.
