Pretoria - Government has responded to President Jacob Zuma's directive to hold urgent talks with union leaders to find a solution that will bring an end to the public service strike.
This follows a meeting between Zuma and ministers at the weekend.
Government said in a statement that Minister of Public Service and Administration Richard Baloyi had been consulting with union leaders with a view to finding a settlement.
"Government is committed to finding a solution that is acceptable to all the parties. Such a solution will be tabled at the Public Sector Coordinating Bargaining Council (PSCBC) for approval.
"Government will make every possible endeavour to ensure that a settlement is reached as early as this evening so that all public servants can return to work. We remain optimistic that a solution will indeed be found sooner," said Government spokesperson Themba Maseko.
He said the PSCBC would convene once the parties have found a solution and that any new developments regarding the talks will be communicated when it becomes available.
"Government shares the public's concern about the strike and the negative impact that it has had on delivery of such services as schooling and medical care.
"Government assures the public that everything will be done to find a solution to the dispute and will work together with public service unions to find an amicable solution to the impasse," said Maseko.
