Cape Town – The Public Servants Association (PSA) has raised alarm over worsening working conditions and service‑delivery failures at the Office of the Master of the High Court.
The union warned that unresolved staff shortages and infrastructure problems are crippling operations.
The PSA said, last year in July, it lodged 36 grievances on behalf of employees, citing severe staff shortages, mounting backlogs, unreliable information systems, inadequate training, and security concerns.
The union said these issues were undermining employee wellbeing and the office’s ability to serve the public effectively.
The PSA said following engagements with the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, commitments were made to fill critical vacancies, improve infrastructure, strengthen security, and reduce operational backlogs.
The PSA stated that assurances were given that improvements would be implemented during the 2025 financial year, but the problems remain unresolved.
The union said little progress has been made, with key management posts still vacant and workloads continuing to rise.
Employees report persistent infrastructure failures and information‑system challenges, while limited resources leave staff struggling to meet statutory obligations.
“Morale and workplace wellbeing are deteriorating, and service delivery to the public is suffering,” the PSA said in a statement made available to The Bulrushes on Thursday, 20 August 2026.
As a result, the PSA has encouraged employees to resubmit grievances to ensure renewed scrutiny and immediate intervention.
The union has urged the department to prioritise filling vacant posts, bolster operational capacity, and implement sustainable measures to restore efficiency at the Master’s Office.
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