The Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mondli Gungubele has called on Public Servants Association (PSA), which represents State Information Technology Agency (SITA) workers and the department, to find an amicable resolution to the deadlocked wage negotiations.

On Monday, PSA announced their strike action when wage negotiations hit a dead end. Minister Gungubele said although the department has noted calls for him to intervene, it was important to note that this is a labour matter between the PSA and SITA and the department cannot interfere. He, however, said he was calling upon both parties to find a speedy and amicable resolution to ensure that service delivery is not negatively affected. Head of Cooperate Affairs at SITA, Tlali Tladi said they are still open for negotiation with employees. On Monday, SITA issued a statement where it announced that it was going to enter into a national shutdown. "The PSA members at SITA commenced with lunchtime picketing on 9 October 2023 and intend to intensify the strike actions in view of the employer's reluctance to respond to their demands. The union said the employer continues to show no interest to resolve the impasse," the statement said.

PSA spokesperson Reuben Maleka says employees have been mobilised and are preparing to participate in a total shutdown. Services at departments such as Home Affairs, Employment and Labour and Sassa will be affected by the shutdown. With October declared Mental Health Awareness Month, PSA called on government to prioritise the health and wellness of its employees. "A conductive work environment will greatly assist in this regard by enabling public sector employees to fulfil their duties efficiently and provide services to communities. Apart from being overworked owing to staff shortages, public sector employees face poor working conditions. Governments failure to implement wage agreements coupled with austerity measures on the ailing economy and steep increases in the cost of living and interest rates are taking a toll of public sector employees," said Maleka, addingthat the PSA is concerned about SITA's attitude towards collective bargaining and the progress in concluding salary negotiations for the 2022/23-financial year. PSA informed Minister Gungubele that employees are angry and will embark on a total shutdown until their demands are met. "The PSA is conscious of the implications of the total shutdown, which could adversely affect network connectivity, operations in most government sectors and service delivery. PSA thus urges the Minister to intervene and instruct the SITA board of directors to improve the salary offer to 7.5%. The PSA remains resolute that the strike action will continue until SITA presents an acceptable offer," Maleka added.