The Compensation Fund Commissioner, Shadrack Mkhonto, has dismissed as misleading and mischievous widespread allegations against the Fund by the Sunday World Newspaper.
Mkhonto was responding to an article yesterday which claimed that a source from the Department of Labour had told the Sunday World newspaper that employees were being victimised while corrupt practices flourished.
“I have no doubt in my mind that the story may have its roots in ill-informed and disgruntled internal source or sources,” Mkhonto said.
He invited anyone with information to back up these malicious accusations and allegations to approach the Director General or the Minister in order to speed up the investigations.
He said the Department of Labour has recently dismissed 16 employees for offences related to financial misconduct amounting to millions of rands. “I am convinced that the story has been leaked by elements who are concerned that we might be coming for them soon. Two doctors, for instance, are appearing in the Commercial Crimes Court tomorrow (Tuesday 12/07) on charges of defrauding the Fund. We will stop at nothing to root out corruption at the Fund”, Mkhonto said.
Responding to claims that millions of rands are used to pay consultants, Mkhonto said the Fund has indeed appointed specialist consultants to assist it in various disciplines to improve service delivery. “These appointments were made in accordance with all National Treasury prescripts”, he said.
On claims that he has been appointing senior managers without interviews, he said: "The Department of Labour has a recruitment and selection policy and the Fund is bound by that. All appointments were duly processed and are open to scrutiny."
Mkhonto reiterated that whoever had any information to prove these allegations should come foward.
Enquiries:
Shadrack Mkhonto
Cell: 082 568 3151
Source: Department of Labour
