Impending SITA Strike Threatens Key South African Government Online Services

The South African government’s Information Technology services may face severe disruption due to an impending strike by the State Information Technology Agency (SITA) employees. The impending strike action stems from SITA's refusal to increase employee salaries by 7.5% – an upgrade the government entity categorically declined, standing firm on its 4.5% offer.

Unrest is brewing amongst the agency's workforce, with the Public Servants Association (PSA), which represents a staggering 80% of the prior mentioned workforce, gaining momentum in backing the strike. Increased lunchtime picketing this week amplified the PSA's growing conviction to undertake full-blown strike action from Wednesday, October 18. SITA, as of March last year, employed nearly 3,300 workers according to the 2021/22 annual report.

PSA's general manager, Reuben Maleka, painted a harrowing picture of potential consequences, noting the strike could "cripple the entire government internet and network for every state entity" - severely impacting departments like home affairs and transport licensing, and institutions like the SA Social Security Agency.

As the major provider and procurer of ICT goods and services under the .gov.za domain, SITA is pivotal in maintaining and developing online platforms for government departments and public entities, including the Presidency and the SA Police Service. This implies that a strike of such magnitude is likely to have broad ramifications for public services.

Despite entering a mediation process following a lodged dispute by the union, the deadlock over the 2023/24 fiscal year salary adjustment remains. The prospect of strike action became all the more real when a certificate of non-resolution was issued after SITA refused to budge from their 4.5% offer and the PSA clung tight to its 7.5% demand.

Tlali Tlali, representative of SITA, assured that the impacts of the industrial action had already initiated contingency plans in order to mitigate service delivery failures to the government. He affirms SITA’s dedication to maintain operational oversight and business continuity during these turbulent times. However, with no significant progress on the matter yet, concerns continue to grow both within and outside of the striking community.