I confirm that on Tuesday 28 July 2020, I placed the Director-General of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI), Advocate Sam Vukela on precautionary suspension - effective as of today Wednesday 29 July 2020 - pending the finalisation of the disciplinary processes instituted against the DG.
This action follows from a Minute I received from President Cyril Ramaphosa on 17 March 2020 to inform me of his decision to delegate his powers to the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure to initiate disciplinary processes against the Director-General, Adv Sam Vukela.
This process follows reports I received into two investigations:
1: A report by Price WaterHouse Coopers (PWC) which investigated allegations of irregularities related to the provision of moveable infrastructure for official funerals; and
2. A report by the Public Service Commission which investigated allegations of irregular appointments within the Senior Management Service of the Department.
I sought legal advice and assistance to start the process as directed in the minute of the President.
An internal disciplinary process that will be chaired by a senior advocate will be convened in due course.
In order to protect the integrity of the process, no further comment will be made to the media until the process has been concluded.
Media enquiries:
Zara Nicholson
Media Liaison Officer to Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure: Patricia de Lille (MP)
Tel: 021 402 2284
Cell: 079 416 5996
E-mail: Zara.Nicholson@dpw.gov.za
