Human Settlements Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi, has welcomed the outcome of the Labour Court that found that Deputy Director-General responsible for Corporate Services, Ms Letsholonyane, irregularly and unlawfully appointed nine (9) officials in the Department, without following the recruitment processes as per the Public Service Act.
This judgement serves to confirm the assertion by Minister Kubayi that there had been wrongdoing in the department, which has cost and exposed the department to litigation.
“It is my belief that we are on the path to restoring the credibility of the Department and ensuring that all public servants understand that compliance with policies and prescripts within public service is not optional. We are playing our part in professionalisation of public service,” said Minister Kubayi.
The Department conducted an internal audit assessment in which the matter was picked up, wherein the irregular appointments and payments of salaries thereof were placed in the Department’s financial statements under irregular spending, pending the court judgement. These appointments were done by the DDG, without the delegated authority of the Accounting Officer nor Executive Authority.
Handing down the judgement on Monday, 2 October 2023, the court stated that: “Civil servants employed in any sphere of government or in any organ of state, must not consider themselves beyond the bounds of the law, but subject to it. Being in civil service is a privilege that must be held in great respect at all times”.
The irregular and unlawful appointments have been reviewed and set aside by the Labour Court and the Department will commence the process to implement this judgement.
Enquiries:
Contact Hlengiwe Nhlabathi-Mokota
Spokesperson to Minister Kubayi
Cell: 064 754 8426
Nozipho Zulu
Head of Communications
Cell: 078 457 9376
