The allegations as reported in the media over the weekend that the Minister of Correctional Services Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and National Commissioner Tom Moyane that they abused employees and used “apartheid style interrogations” are devoid of all truth and are rejected with the contempt they deserve.
The struggle credentials of the Minister and the National Commissioner respectively against apartheid are beyond reproach. They both sacrificed heavily for this country to be where it is today during the struggle days. They both left the country as it was with many cadres then who wanted to bring UHURU to these shores. So, to label them as using despicable “apartheid style interrogation” is not only an insult to them but also to all those who fought bitterly to bring about freedom in South Africa.
At the outset it must be reiterated that neither the Ministry nor the Department has received any official notification from the Office of the Public Protector with regard to the investigations of allegations relating to the alleged victimisation of employees. Safe to say that the Minister and the National Commissioner read these allegations in the said weekend publication, they both believe that the Public Protector, as indeed, it is her mandate to investigate abuse of state power, has the right to do so. However, in line with her responsibilities, courtesy demands that she would also inform those that she is investigating that she is indeed, investigating them.
Since the appointment of the Minister and subsequently the National Commissioner there has been a clear agenda to transform the Department and improve service delivery. One level of transformation is aimed specifically at the management of the Department. In all matters involving change management there will always be an aggrieved set of employees who have benefitted from the status quo and who are opposed to change. Some media in the process will be used by such disgruntled employees hell bent to continue benefiting improperly, and do everything in their power to frustrate the process of transformation.
The Ministry and the Department welcome any investigations by the Public Protector since neither have anything to hide or be ashamed of in driving a transformation strategy in the Department. Any allegations of victimisation of staff and so-called “apartheid style interrogations” of staff are categorically denied by both the Minister and the National Commissioner and such allegations will be confirmed by the Public Protector’s investigations to be no more than the grumblings of dissatisfied employees.
Enquiries:
Manelisi Wolela
Cell: 083 626 0304
Sonwabo Mbananga
Cell: 082 045 3963
