A recent directive by the Ministry of Home Affairs requiring staff at the National Identity and Civil Registration (NICR) Systems Department in Mohale’s Hoek to work night shifts has triggered resistance among employees.
Management says the measure is aimed at improving efficiency and reducing the backlog in passport applications by speeding up turnaround times. However, several staff members have formally challenged the decision, citing concerns over working conditions and a lack of clear communication.
Newsday has seen a letter dated 24 February 2026, addressed to Assistant Manager Lifutso Ramonaheng, in which the employees request formal clarification on the night shift arrangement. The staff members say they remain committed to their duties but seek an official written directive outlining the legal and administrative basis for the change.
“We respectfully submit this letter to seek formal clarification regarding the recent instruction requiring us to work night shifts,” the letter reads in part. “To the best of our understanding, night work was not part of our original terms and conditions of service.”
The employees are asking management to clarify overtime compensation arrangements, provide transport for late hours, and offer assurances regarding personal safety and the impact of the new schedule on their families.
The letter was signed by 16 employees: Mathe Lekholoane, Boitumelo Lesetla, Thabo Seleso, Molikoane Pheko, Tumo Thibiri, Lieketseng Mothamane, Limpho Mokoma, Rorisang Molefi, Lebohang Mabele, Amelia Phangoa, Keketso Mohale, Mekoane Mothusi, Mohlokoane Mokati, Elelloang Matšoele, Pitso Ramaisa and Refiloe Mosola.
Responding on the same day, Ramonaheng said the implementation of night shifts was a collective management decision intended to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency. She indicated that she would escalate the staff’s concerns to senior management.
On 25 February 2026, NICR District Manager Advocate Matekoa Obed Sebapalo replied to the employees, stating that the decision to introduce night shifts had been taken collectively by management and would stand.
“The labour laws of this land warrant night shifts where and when necessary,” Sebapalo wrote, adding that such arrangements were not new within the NICR and had previously been used to address backlogs.
He confirmed that night shifts would commence on 26 and 27 February 2026, as directed by team leaders. With effect from 2 March 2026, employees will work alternating shifts from 6:00am to 1:00pm and from 1:00pm to 6:00pm, for no more than three consecutive days per shift cycle.
Sebapalo further warned that absenteeism would be deducted from leave days and that defiance of the directive would be treated as insubordination.
Beyond the official correspondence, internal communications suggest heightened anxiety among staff. Employees say they frequently participate in outreach programmes before returning to regular duties, increasing their workload. Some fear that performance evaluations and possible “show cause” letters may follow amid mounting pressure.
There are also concerns about operational challenges within the Verification and Authorisation office, which some staff members claim are affecting the quality of their work. Doubts have reportedly been raised about whether certain forms were properly verified or reached the Authorisation office.
Frustration appears to be growing, with one employee remarking that if production declines, management should “hire other people”. Others have expressed fears that they may be penalised for errors, with some alleging that colleagues are setting them up for mistakes.
At the same time, some employees have urged their peers to remain diligent and avoid mistakes, signalling a desire to stabilise the situation and improve performance. There have also been calls for greater recognition and support for those assigned to night shifts.
Summary
- A recent directive by the Ministry of Home Affairs requiring staff at the National Identity and Civil Registration (NICR) Systems Department in Mohale’s Hoek to work night shifts has triggered resistance among employees.
- The employees are asking management to clarify overtime compensation arrangements, provide transport for late hours, and offer assurances regarding personal safety and the impact of the new schedule on their families.
- At the same time, some employees have urged their peers to remain diligent and avoid mistakes, signalling a desire to stabilise the situation and improve performance.
Thoboloko Ntšonyane is a dedicated journalist who has contributed to various publications. He focuses on parliament, climate change, human rights, sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR), health, business and court reports. His work inspires change, triggers dialogue and also promote transparency in a society.
