The National Amalgamated Local, Central Government and Parastatal Workers Union (NALCGPWU), commonly known as the Manual Workers Union, says it is not surprised by the government’s decision, through the Directorate of Public Service Management (DPSM), to lift the temporary suspension of the Government Employees Motor Vehicle and Residential Property Advance Scheme (GEMVAS).
The union and DPSM were last month involved in a sharp exchange over the scheme, with the union accusing the government of acting without consultation and alleging that the suspension was linked to plans to outsource GEMVAS administration to politically connected individuals. DPSM has denied the allegations.
Last week, DPSM announced the lifting of the suspension and confirmed that new applications had resumed on Monday. GEMVAS is a government-backed scheme that provides subsidised vehicle and housing loans to eligible public officers.
At the centre of the dispute is the government’s earlier decision to suspend the scheme and consider outsourcing its management. The Manual Workers Union and Minister for State President, Defence and Security Moeti Mohwasa have previously accused each other of misleading conduct in relation to the process.
Speaking this week, Manual Workers Deputy Chief Executive Officer Robert Rabasimane said the union had anticipated that the outsourcing plan would not proceed.
“We have been certain that there was no way government would go ahead with the tender for outsourcing,” he said.
In February, the Ministry of Finance issued a tender for the provision of services for the management and administration of GEMVAS for a period of 60 months. The domestic bidding process closed on 17 February 2026.
According to the tender documents, the proposed scope included improving access to the scheme for government employees countrywide and ensuring that bonds are registered in favour of the government, with registration documents reflecting the state’s financial interest.
Rabasimane said the union welcomed what it described as the outcome of its intervention.
“DPSM is always in the middle of the wrong things that happen to the workers of this country,” he said.
He added that the union believed it had disrupted plans that were already at an advanced stage.
“We were able to stop them, but they were at an advanced stage. There were already processes to transfer staff, as the office was to be closed once services were outsourced,” he said.
Rabasimane also questioned DPSM’s earlier statement that consultations had taken place with banks regarding possible contract renewals.
“That was very fast. When were those consultations concluded?” he said. “We are also concerned about the growing trend of government communications being issued without reference to a responsible officer or signature. This is untidy and allows people to avoid accountability.”
The GEMVAS scheme is governed by General Orders and directives issued by DPSM from time to time. The guaranteed loans are provided by commercial banks to eligible government employees.
DPSM has maintained that all affected parties were consulted on developments relating to the scheme.
