Mbalula’s adviser agrees to pay back R456k salary overpayment

In July, Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane found that Mbalula irregularly appointed special advisers Venkile and Bongisizwe Mpondo as well as legal adviser Kaiser Khoza without Public Service and Administration Minister Senzo Mchunu’s approval.

This after a complaint was lodged by a group of anonymous departmental staff, which prompted an investigation by Mkhwebane.

The investigation found maladministration and improper conduct in connection with the appointment of the ministerial advisers by the department.

Venkile conceded that he was indebted to the department in the amount of R455,984.50. 

“As part of remedial action, the Public Protector directed Minister Mbalula to ensure that he submits recommendations for future Special Adviser appointments to the Minister of Public Service and Administration before the appointees assume duty,” said a statement from the office of the public protector.

“He will repay the department in monthly instalments of R11 999,60 for a period of three years, stretching from April 2021 to May 2024.”

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It said Mbalula and Director-General Moemi undertook to recover the overpayment to Khoza.

“They have given the Public Protector an assurance in this regard.”

Mbalula was further directed to ensure that all future contracts of employment, performance agreements and security clearance of special advisers be submitted to Mchunu as required by the Dispensation Policy.

Moemi was directed to ensure that all the overpayments, salaries and emoluments paid to Messrs. Venkile and Khoza were recovered in full.

Mbalula and Mchunu were urged to ensure that all ministers and deputy ministers receive awareness and training regarding the procedures and processes to be followed in the appointment of special advisers.

• Compiled by Siyanda Ndlovu