The Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Mrs Edna Molewa has recently learnt of an incident that allegedly occurred in May 2013, pertaining to the unfortunate allegations of the Chairperson of the SANBI (South African National Biodiversity Institute) board being under the influence of alcohol at the Chelsea flower show held in London at that time.
In discussing these allegations with Mr Tami Sokutu, the Chairperson of the Board, the Minister and Mr Sokutu agreed that Mr Sokutu should be released from his position as Chairperson of the Board. Minister Molewa has also considered the fact that Mr Sokutu has recently been on sabbatical leave, which in some ways did not allow him to effectively fulfill his role as the Chairperson of the board.
The Minister would like to thank Mr Sokutu for his excellent leadership as Chairperson for the past 6 years, during which he steered SANBI through some of the most difficult times of change. As a trained Botanist, ex-Public Servant and a Businessman, he contributed to the great success that SANBI has achieved in the implementation of its programmes.
During his tenure as Chairperson, Mr Sokutu never accepted any board fees, which have been used for staff development and improvement, at his request.
Minister Molewa has appointed Ms Nana Magomola to act as Chairperson while the process of appointment of a new Chairperson is followed.
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