6 September 2006
The Department of Home Affairs has noted concerns and reports in the media
about the appointment of Lerato Afilaka as the Director of the Gauteng West
area. The accusations levelled against Afilaka are that she is not qualified
for the position that she has been appointed for. Further, it is also alleged
that Afilaka�s mother is a friend of the Minister of Home Affairs, Minister
Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and the Deputy Director-General of service delivery, Ms
Thembi Cele. These allegations proceed from the premise that the friendship has
influenced the appointment of Ms Lerato Afilaka.
Ms Afilaka has quality experience to discharge the responsibilities expected
of her, and the provision of strategic leadership in Gauteng West. Accordingly,
the department would like to deny the perceived existence of allegations of any
friendship between Ms Afilaka�s mother and the Minister and the Deputy
Director-General or any of the panel members. In any case, wherever there are
concerns of friendly connections between the candidate and the panel members,
those affected are expected to declare this, and will accordingly be excused
from the panel.
On the matter of the educational qualifications of Ms Afilaka, the
department is looking into the matter. Once an investigation into this matter
has been finalised, the issue will be resolved in accordance with the public
service requirements. It is our belief that the steps that the department is
taking on the matter are a reflection of our commitment to openness and
transparency, and corporate governance.
Enquiries:
Nkosana Sibuyi
Cell: 082 886 6708
Mantshele wa g a Tau
Cell: 082 802 4814
Issued by: Department of Home Affairs
6 September 2006
Source: Department of Home Affairs (http://www.dha.gov.za)
