The Minister for the Public Service and Administration, Mr Senzo Mchunu, has expressed great shock at the untimely passing of DPSA official, Mr Geeva Pillay, who was the Acting Deputy Director-General in the Branch: Negotiations, Labour Relations and Remuneration Management.
Mr Pillay passed away on 10 July 2021 late hours of last night.
The Acting DDG developed the ‘Negotiations Implementation Protocol’, which was eventually adopted by Cabinet; the Protocol provides for a clear and rigorous internal approach to wage negotiations in the public service.
Minister Mchunu said: “Geeva completed all the tasks given to him with the greatest of passion and commitment. In addition to leading the Branch, he led the Government delegation wage negotiating team for a number of years and excelled in this role. Indeed, he was a selfless official who dedicated himself fully to his job, sometimes at the cost of his personal life, and for that, we will forever be grateful.
“Geeva was very methodical in his approaches; he understood the need to strike a balance between the needs and wants of the Citizens, Government, Public Service and Public Servants.
“He was a thorough, dedicated, ethical and skilled public servant, his work ethic spoke volumes. He will be dearly missed and may his soul rest in peace.”
The Deputy Minister for the Public Service and Administration, Honorable Sindisiwe Chikunga, said Acting DDG Geeva Pillay played a crucial role in Wage Negotiations, his experience and expertise were evident in how he approached even the most challenging tasks. He was level headed, an eager, hardworking, trustworthy and a supportive public servant who was proud to belong to the public service. He cared for his clients, stakeholders and served the citizens of this country with distinction.
“We lower our banners in his memory and deeply mourn his departure,” said Deputy Minister Chikunga
The Director General of the Department of Public Service and Administration, Ms Yoliswa Makhasi, said Mr Pillay was equal to the task, very democratic to a point where one colleague said, he’s too democratic because discussions in the employer caucus were dragging.
“He brought about coherence and synergy in Government’s handling and management of the Negotiations and was an extremely pleasant person, who in his role as manager, always considered the interests and well-being of other employees reporting to him.
“His insightful and nuanced leadership will be dearly missed and may his soul rest in peace,” the Director General said.
The entire Ministry for the Public Service and Administration wishes the Pillay family and friends sincerest heartfelt condolences.
