The Ministry of Arts and Culture has entered into a settlement agreement with the Director-General of the Department of Arts and Culture, Mr. Sibusiso Xaba.
Mr Xaba will leave the employment of the department at the end of January 2015. Mr Xaba was placed on suspension in 2014 pending a forensic investigation on irregular expenditure and non-adherence to procedure, among other reasons.
The suspension followed an alarming audit report by the Auditor-General on the Department of Arts and Culture presented in last year and covers the 2013/14 financial year ending on 31 March 2014. The report identified weaknesses that include the severity and growth of irregular expenditure, non-adherence to procedures and possible lack of action against officials who made and or permitted irregular expenditure.
The Auditor-General's report was a matter of deep concern as it showed that the department was still largely failing in key areas. It was for these reasons that the Minister decided to launch a forensic investigation into these findings and to suspend the Director General until the investigation was finalised.
The Ministry thanks Mr Xaba for his contribution over the past few years and wishes him well in his future endeavours.
Enquiries:
Lisa Combrinck
Cell: 082 821 4886
Vuyo Jack
Cell: 082 371 6985
