THE National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union has called for the axing of KwaZulu-Natal department of economic development and tourism security manager Sipho Buthelezi.

Nehawa has accused Buthelezi of having flouted tender procedures when he spent R2,3million on a security system in a Pietermaritzburg office. The union maintains there was no need for this .

They also claim Buthelezi came into the department with provincial MEC Mike Mabuyakhulu and without the position having been advertised.

This week union members staged daily pickets to express their concerns.

Nehawu spokesperson Sizwe Pamla said it was totally unacceptable and unnecessary for Buthelezi to have unilaterally replaced a two-year-old R500000 security system without providing legitimate reasons for his actions.

"His action goes against the call by Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan for prudent expenditure of taxpayers' money," Pamla said

"And it was also not done in the interests of the department and its stakeholders, but to serve the interests of a corrupt few," said Pamla.

He said workers wanted the steel gate removed because it obstructed movement into the building.

They also want recently suspended employee Nombuso Mkhize, who was disciplined for "improper" dress, to be reinstated immediately.

"If our demands are not met we will be left with no option but to embark on a full-scale strike," Pamla said.

Department spokesperson Bheko Madlala said they were aware of the issues raised by Nehawu. He said they recently received a memorandum about the issues.

"We are looking into the matter and we will respond to the workers accordingly," said Madlala.