Govt Faces Petition Over Plot to Loot P1Billion

The Manual Workers Union has accused government of secretly pursuing plans to transfer control of the GEMVAS scheme, warning that more than P1 billion in workers’ contributions could be placed at risk while lower-income public servants may be excluded from benefits The government is facing mounting pressure over alleged attempts to hand over control of a public servants’ housing and loan scheme linked to more than P1 billion in workers’ contributions. The Manual Workers Union is accusing senior officials of secrecy, deception and sidelining workers in a deal they claim could benefit a select few. The allegations emerged during a heated press conference by the union’s leadership, where they warned they were preparing a petition against government over the handling of the Government Employees Motor Vehicle and Housing Advance Scheme (GEMVAS).

Deputy Chief Executive Officer Robert Rabasimane accused government and Minister of State President Moeti Mohwasa of misleading public servants while allegedly pushing plans to transfer the scheme to a private joint venture company. “We have been deceived by the minister,” he said, adding that officials held consultations while pursuing “other plans behind our backs.” He said suspicions grew after Directorate of Public Service Management (DPSM) Director Gaone Macholo allegedly stated that the scheme had been terminated due to expired bank contracts. How can all contracts end at the same time?” he asked.

Rabasimane also alleged that an Invitation To Tender had been issued in February for companies to take over the scheme, despite assurances that GEMVAS had been suspended. “The tender carries February dates but does not clearly indicate when it opened. On March 13, a savingram said the scheme had been suspended, yet meetings were already taking place at the Ministry of Finance,” he said. He said public servants’ contributions under the Government Loan Insurance Fund had grown to over P1 billion by March 30, 2026.