The spokesperson of the Premier, Sello Tatai, says allegations against the appointment and qualifications of the Social Development HOD surfaced in 2021 and the matter was reported to the Public Protector of South Africa (PPSA) for investigation. This, after stating that the Provincial Government had filled five (5) vacancies of Heads of Departments, including Health, Public Works & Roads, Arts, Culture, Sport & Recreation, Agriculture & Rural Development and Social Development over the past year.  

He adds that all these appointments, including that of the HOD in question, were done in line with the Public Service Act, and with the concurrence of the Minister of Public Service and Administration.

The chairperson of the Committee on the Premier, Finance, Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Aaron Motswana, challenged Premier Bushy Maape to clarify the appointment of the Social Development HOD, Relebohile Mafokane. Motswana also revealed that there might be other appointments of HODs appointed in 2021, that might be under investigation.

“Well, except for the report that has been released by public service currently, we had also put into the radar appointment of the HOD of Health, and there is also a lead that we are following in terms of appointments that were done on and around that particular time frame of May and April. So there are two or three other appointments that were done that are in question,” said Motswana.

ALSO READ: North West premier challenged to clarify alleged irregular appointment

Tatai adds the information available to the Premier, as verified by both the Office of the Premier, SAQA and the Department of Public Service and Administration, confirmed Mafokane’s qualifications and required experience to occupy the position of the HOD and concurrence was obtained from the Minister of Public Service and Administration following further scrutiny by his department. He also said that they will engage the PPSA to close this matter as soon as possible and make the final report public as soon as the matter is concluded.

OFM News