NELSPRUIT – Mpumalanga Tourism and Park Agency (MTPA) CEO, Mr Jacques Modipane was back at the office this morning after board chairman Ms Clara Ndlovu was seriously reprimanded by the MEC for tourism for unlawfully suspending him last week.
Economic Development and Tourism MEC, Ms Pinky Phosa told Ndlovu in no uncertain terms that she was acting outside her jurisdiction and that her actions were a contravention of the law. This was according to some correspondence that was brought to our attention earlier today.
Modipane was put on 14 days forced leave by the acting board chairman Clara Ndlovu. The chief operating officer Mr Edward Thwala was appointed acting CEO.
Lowvelder reported earlier that it was political interference and not the recent theft of rhino horn, which had plunged the agency into yet another management crisis.
The MTPA was flung into the spotlight last week after a large quantity of rhino horn was stolen on Easter Sunday from the safes at the MTPA head office on the outskirts of the city. Sources close to the organisation though are sure that the theft was only an excuse for a disgruntled regulatory board to nail Modipane.
It is generally accepted that internal politics played a major role in the decision to remove him temporarily. The strict financial measures imposed by him during the past 18 months had also affected the income of some board members. This decision from the board now appears to be a knee-jerk response to the theft of rhino horn.
Ndlovu shied away from a scheduled media interview with Lowvelder this morning. Neither did she attend another scheduled meeting at the MTPA later this morning but was seen at her offices at the ANC party headquarters in town, where she holds the position of chairman of the provincial Woman’s League. Apparently it was this elected party position that ensured her presence on the MTPA board.
Board favourite, Mr Edward Thwala, has also reverted from acting CEO for one day, back to the position of COO. His five-year contract as MTPA executive expires tomorrow. He told Lowvelder that he was not in a position to elaborate on his immediate future at the agency and referred all enquiries to the chairman.
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