GAUTENG LEGISLATURE BESET MY MALPRACTICES AND CORRUPTION ALLEGATIONS
Asiphe Cokile
Tswarello Monyane
A damning anonymous letter containing more than half a dozen of workplace grievances has prompted the Speaker of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL), Ntombi Mekgwe, to appoint a reference group comprising of professionals and independent persons to investigate the contention.
The nine page letter believed to be chronicled by a group of cheesed off employees list amongst other things high levels of corruption, nepotism and malpractices taking place in the GPL.
The Citizen was the first newspaper that broke the story.
According to Mekgwe this letter was clandestinely shoved under her office door in May and appealed to anyone including political parties who has the information to come forward and assist the investigating team. “This will help to facilitate speedy conclusion of the investigations.”
Mekgwe also told journalists that she considered these allegations to be very serious hence she referred them to the Public Service Commission (PSC) for investigation. “I, as the Speaker and the Executive Authority of the Legislature, together with other Presiding Officers, take these allegations very serious and intend to deal with them decisively in keeping with good governance and in pursuance of our Vision.”
“It is envisaged that the investigation will provide the GPL with opportunity to establish whether the allegations are founded or unfounded and institute the necessary corrective measures if such allegations are proven in the affirmative.” The Speaker said.
Mekgwe also explained that the purpose of the investigation is to ascertain any irregularities or unlawful activity that has taken place and whether anyone is to be held accountable.
“We want stability in the workplace. That’s why we could not ignore the matter. Failure to do so can adversely impact on the standing and reputation of a critical and strategic governance institution in the province.”
She also revealed that the investigating team will be supported by Ernest and Young and the investigation was expected to be concluded in six weeks time.
Did you know?
Other malpractices include the following.
• Appointment and promotion of individuals who did not meet the job requirements.
• Probe into stolen cell phones.
• Corruption and fraudulent activities pertaining to the City Hall building.
• Employees claiming overtime they were not entitled.
• Employment of relatives.
• Chronic absenteeism by senior managers.
Members of the reference group are as follows.
• Mike Seloane, (Public Service Commission based in Gauteng).
• Dr Ralph Mgijima (Integrity Commissioner of GPL).
• Godfrey Tsotetsi (Chairperson of Oversight Committee on the Premier and Legislature.
• John Davis (Chairperson of the GPL Audit and Risk Committee).
