The Minister of Presidential Affairs and Public Administration, Lesego Motsumi has announced that Government has contracted 216 retired civil servants.

Responding to a question from Nkange Member of Parliament, Edwin Batshu, Minister Motsumi said that retired civil servants are contracted as follows; Senior Management (E2 and above) 20, Professional staff 20, nursing staff 107, technical instructors, technician and artisans 24, tribal administration staff and Dikgosi 25, members and staff of the landboard and land tribunal 18 as well as Principals and lecturers 2.

Batshu also wanted to know the justification for this arrangement considering the level of unemployment in the country but Motsumi said the officers were employed on contract because they possess critical skills, competencies and experiences.

It is reported that most Permanent Secretaries who are quitting public service are then re-employed on a contractual basis earning their pensions and their new salaries.