DWS dismisses senior official for fraud and gross dishonesty, resultant in double-dipping
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has dismissed Ms Gabonewe Madikela after finding her guilty of gross dishonesty for failing to terminate her employment contract with the Moses Kotane Municipality, when she was appointed and assumed duty at the Department in April 2022, resulting in dual employment and thereby double dipping.
Ms Madikela was appointed in the Department in April 2022 as a Director in the Bulk Water and Pricing Regulation Unit, after a post became vacant where she applied, was shortlisted, interviewed and then appointed on merit but did not resign from her former post with the Municipality.
The Department launched an internal investigation into the matter and served Ms Madikela with allegations of misconduct, which she received and acknowledged on 17 January 2023.
The investigation sought to establish the merits of simultaneous employment contracts and to determine if she defrauded the Municipality an amount of approximately R778 557, by deliberately misleading it into believing that she could not report for duty as she was on paid leave whereas she was rendering services at the DWS.
Following formal disciplinary action which took place between January and March, she eventually pleaded guilty to both charges of misconduct levelled against her by the Department, resulting in a verdict of guilty on all two allegations in line with her plea.
Ms Madikela contravened the Disciplinary Code and Procedures for Senior Management Service (SMS) Members (Chapter 7 of the SMS Handbook) in that she intentionally acted in a dishonest manner when assuming employment in the Department without terminating her employment with the Municipality.
Chapter 7 of the SMS Handbook was also contravened when Ms Madikela made a misrepresentation for failing to submit a resignation letter and continued to submit leave forms and sick notes to Moses Kotane Local Municipality, thereby creating an impression that she was not well, and that she had been hospitalised whilst this was not the case.
Ms Madikela was served with a dismissal letter on Monday, 17 April 2023 and was effectively dismissed from the Public Service.
The Department has reiterated its stance of no tolerance for fraud and corruption and has also called on all Public Service officials to avoid, report and prevent any acts of corrupt activities.
For more information, contact:
Wisane Mavasa
Spokesperson for the Department of Water and Sanitation
Cell: 060 561 8935
E-mail: mavasaw@dws.gov.za.
