Minister Gigaba
27 July 2007
Following media reports alleging that Home Affairs Deputy Minister, Malusi
Gigaba has misappropriated public funds, the Department has conducted a
preliminary investigation to ascertain the facts as per records of the
department in relation to payments from his budget.
The Department is now in a position to clarify the following:
* Payment of travel
The Deputy Minister, in the performance of his official duties, has invited
a number of people to official meetings and at certain points for various
technical advice. Some of these have travelled at departmental expense. This is
consistent with procedure and practice within government.
In the interest of transparency the Deputy Minister has however also ordered
a full audit of all such expenses from his budget dating back to his
appointment in 2004 so that any irregularities should be addressed.
* Car hire for Mzwandile Mawela
It should be noted that at the time when these payments were made, Mawela
was engaged officially as an intern in the office of the Deputy Minister. Over
the past three years the Department has engaged 715 interns as part of the
National Youth Service. These interns work at various points in the department,
including the Ministry. There is therefore nothing irregular about this
transaction at all.
* Payment for flowers for the Deputy Minister's wife
It is important to reiterate that Ministers and Deputy Ministers are not
personally responsible for administration and utilisation of finances in their
offices. This is done by support staff in these offices and should be in
accordance with prescribed policies and procedures. Although policy allows the
Deputy Minister to send flowers to colleagues, counterparts and other people,
his office should not have paid for flowers for his wife from the Department's
budget.
Deputy Minister Gigaba has been made aware of this and has instructed his
office to deal with the issue, including taking appropriate corrective measures
where necessary. He will also reimburse the Department for this specific
expense.
The outcome of the audit and corrective measures to be taken thereafter will
be made public.
For further information please contact:
Jacky Mashapu
Acting Head of Communications
Cell: 082 885 8449
Issued by: Department of Home Affairs
27 July 2007
