Introduction
Thank you MEC Mahlakeng Mahlakeng for the breaking news. Congratulations are in order, for making remarkable progress on what was a very complex investigation indeed.
In less than 12 months, you managed to suspend three senior officials, preferred charges against them, hauled two of them before the Disciplinary Committee, found both of them guilty of gross misconduct and dismissed another. It is indeed remarkable and unprecedented in this province.
Thank you for the opportunity, Matshube Mfoloe, and once again: good morning ladies and gentlemen.
Status with regards to the chief financial officer (Office of the Premier)
Following one of the pronouncement I made last week, in relation to the preliminary forensic reports including that of the Office of the Premier:
I indicated that the Office of the Premier must be seen to be taking the lead by taking appropriate action against culprits fingered in the report, for their alleged contraventions of government procurement protocols.
To this end, I have given the Chief Financial Officer in the Office of the Premier, Mr Philip Gumede, until close of business today, (Wednesday, 8 September), to make representations and advance reasons why I should not place him on precautionary suspension.
Status with regards to the investigation by the Auditor-General into the Sport, Arts and Culture
I am informed that today a team from the officer of the Auditor-General begin in earnest an investigation into alleged financial irregularities in the department of Sports Arts and Culture.
This was confirmed to me on Monday by the Auditor-General who also indicated that, the probe would take approximately three week.
Documents that will assist the investigation have been handed over to the Auditor-General already.
Department of Social Development
We have referred one of the matters related to a separate investigation in the Department of Social Development to the special branch of the South African Police Services (SAPS).
We want police to investigate the conduct of senior government official(s) in the former Department of Social Development.
A number of serious findings of offences, some of which are viewed to be criminal in nature, were discovered by the investigation team led by Advocate Jason Basson.
As a result of the investigation I commissioned in September 2009, the department was saved huge sums of tax payers’ monies.
Specific reference is made in this regard, to litigation for which judgement was handed down barely three month ago, July 2010, that could have cost government approximately R700 million, had we lost the case.
I am pleased to state that the department was able to stand firm and succeed in defending the case in the North West high court.
Traditional leadership (Bahurutshe-Ba-Moiloa)
The long standing traditional leadership dispute involving the Bahurutshe-Ba-Moiloa is coming to an end.
A commission of inquiry, chaired by retired Judge of the High Court of Appeal, Judge Ralph Zulman, is expected to deliver a report on its findings and recommendations this week.
We hope that this will put an end to the dispute which has threatened to split the royal family of the said traditional community.
On receipt of the report from Judge Zulam, I shall immediately convene a meeting of the royal family to inform them of the findings and recommendations.
The meeting shall also pave way towards the implementation of the commission's report and to provide lasting solutions to the community.
Status with regards to Bapo Ba Mogale
I appointed an administrator to take over the administrative affairs of Bapo-Ba-Mogale traditional community in a bid to defuse the conflict between kgosi, the royal family and council.
These conflicts have seen the community's financial resources being wasted through several court cases and other irregular transactions that do not benefit the community, but a few individuals.
The Administrator, Mr Junius Moloto who is a vastly experienced attorney from Rustenburg, assumed his duties on Monday, 30 September 2010, and is expected to remain in office for a period of six months.
It is hoped that his presence will assist the community to administer its affairs properly so as to bring much needed development to the community.
Status with regards to the filling of vacant posts for heads of departments
I have instructed my office to expedite the filling of existing vacant posts for heads of departments or deputy director-generals (DDG) in at least six provincial government departments. I have been assured that requisite advertisements will be published in several main stream newspapers before the end of this month (September).
The departments currently with vacant posts of heads of departments are:
- Sport, Arts and Culture
- Public Works, Roads and Transport
- Education
- Health
- Social Development
- Local Government and Traditional Affairs and
Conclusion
In spite of the existing posts in the above mentioned departments, I can confirm that service delivery has not been compromised.
This can be attributed largely to a positive attitude, and commitment shown by the majority of our public servants who are willing to go an extra mile, and those who forever show a willingness to pull together as a team to achieve our mandate as government.
On the flip side, we welcome the suspension of the three week public sector strike, and express hope that an amicable solution is found speedily.
We are also encouraged that all our provincial government departments, health facilities and most public schools have resumed operations with the full complement of staff.
Contact:
Matshube Mfoloe
Cell: 082 305 4594
