The current restructuring in the DA led Western Cape provincial administration is not only unlawful but is also undemocratic as it lacks consultation with trade unions and transparency required in democratic processes. The latest suspensions and appointments are done in a manner that suggests that Helen Zille administration is poised to purge workers that are on its hit list.

The union has therefore raised this issue with the Premier of the Western Cape Ms. Helen Zille in a letter that was sent to her on the 17^th of June 2009. In that letter we are asking questions about the suspension of Virginia Petersen (Director General of the Province), Shanaaz Majiet (Head of Local Government & Housing) and Thami Manyathi (Head of Transport & Public Works).

We also demand answers about the appointment of the following:

 ü Brent Gerber as the acting Director General of the Province who has been seconded from the City. We would like to know what policy of either the province or the city allows for such a transfer as there is no single public service with the same payroll.

 ü We demand to know if both Mr. Gerber and Virginia Petersen (the suspended DG) are currently being paid salaries and if so, what are those salaries?

 ü We want confirmation whether is it true that both Mr. Pier Benneke and Mr. Dirk Brandt are also working in Provincial Government. If it is true we want to know where are they working and when were they appointed? We want to know whether it is true that they were both mentioned in the Desai Commission as key operatives of the former government.

 ü We demand answers on the allegations that there are several new people working in some of the key departments with no explanation for how and when they were appointed and what process was followed.

 We want to know if it is true that:

 ü The Office of the Premier is setting up a parallel or shadow department of local government in addition to the one that we officially recognise.

 ü The Department of the Premier is going to be downsized without consultation with admitted trade unions.

 ü The programme of Community Development Workers is going to be downsized without any consultation.

 ü The Bambanani Programme will be closed down without any consultation.

 We demand an explanation and clarity on all of the above issues as it deeply concerns our membership and ourselves in relation to policy, good and transparent governance.