Johannesburg - Public servants will be allowed time off to watch soccer matches during the World Cup, the SA Football Supporters’ Association (Safsa) said on Tuesday.

Safsa's executive director had received a letter from Public Service and Administration Minister Richard Baloyi dated May 30, saying government had decided to allow public servants "a flexible yet fair approach towards time off" during the World Cup, Safsa executive director Siyabulela Makunga said in a statement.

He said this was contrary to media statements that Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe had denied agreeing to this.

"The minister's letter has vindicated Safsa, because it reiterates government's decision to encourage heads of departments to arrange shift rosters in the public service so as to make way for a responsible allocation of time off by allowing government employees to take annual leave and employing shift rosters during the World Cup."

He said the memorandum had been sent to heads of departments at national and provincial levels.

It gave them authority to "make specific provision/arrangements, allowing employees to take time off, leave work earlier/report later for duty, affording all employees (public servants) a fair an equal opportunity for time off to watch soccer games".

Makunga called on public servants to use this leeway "orderly and responsibly".

No special arrangements

Public service and administration department spokesperson Dumisani Nkwamba said the official position was there would be no special leave arrangements.

"The current framework governing the management of leave or arrangement of leave or time off will apply," he told Sapa.

"If I want to watch Bafana Bafana on Friday I must take leave... it all has to be managed properly so that the public service doesn't shut down."

Meanwhile, the Gauteng government said on Tuesday that premier Nomvula Mokonyane had decided to allow government employees, except essential services workers, to leave work at noon on Friday for the opening ceremony and first match.

It said it had spoken to several organisations including Business Unity SA, the Banking Council of SA and National African Federated Chamber of Commerce, who had all indicated they would be implementing measures in recognition of the special day.

"The premier expresses appreciation of this gesture and appeals to all other employers in Gauteng to take special measures to allow their employees to be part of the World Cup festivities."

Fans were urged to travel early to the stadium, fan parks and public viewing areas on Friday so they arrived on time.

"Fans should be seated at least an hour before the start of the opening ceremony."