Ms Yoliswa Makhasi, the Director General of the DPSA and Mr Niko Mabunda, the Acting DDG of HRMD at the DPSA

Ms Yoliswa Makhasi, the Director General of the Department of Public Service and Administration, delivered a keynote address on the integration of policies for a professional approach to Employee Health and Wellness at the Edu Week event hosted by the Employee Assistance Professionals Association of South Africa (EAPA-SA).

In her address, the Director General emphasized the importance of moving away from a silo mentality in public service sectors. She advocated for a comprehensive and integrated approach to EHW, highlighting that effective policies must be interwoven across various departments and functions. This integration is important for creating a supportive environment that prioritizes the well-being of employees.

“The well-being of public servants is paramount,” she stated. “To truly support our employees, we must ensure that our policies are not only aligned but also reflect a holistic understanding of their needs. This means integrating health and wellness initiatives into all areas of our work.”

The Director General also underlined the professionalization of EHW practitioners, calling for enhanced training and development opportunities. She committed to collaborating with industry experts to elevate standards and practices within the field, ensuring that EHW becomes a recognized and respected profession.

The Director General proposed that the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Annual Conference should be part of the Public Service Month, enhancing visibility and support for EHW initiatives. This initiative aims to foster greater awareness and engagement among public servants regarding the importance of health and wellness.

EAPA, the largest and oldest professional association for employee assistance programs, represents over 3,500 individuals across 40 countries. The association continues to play a vital role in promoting professional development and setting standards within the EHW field.

The EAPA-SA Eduweek, is the premier annual event for EAP professionals in South Africa and has become a cornerstone for knowledge exchange and networking, bringing together EAP and HR experts from around the globe.