Public Works probes allegations of power abuse, nepotism, favoritism and fraud
In an effort to regain the credibility of the department, a fraud audit unit was established to investigate the claims.
POLOKWANE – The Professional Servant’s Association (PSA) says it is relieved that the MEC for Public Works, Monica Mochadi has listened to their pleas on the alleged abuse of power within the department.
PSA Provincial Head, Paul Teffo says some PSA affiliated members in the department raised issues, among others the filling of vacancies in the department. Teffo says that the union felt it necessary to raise the matter to the department so that the filling of posts could be halted until the union’s allegations had been investigated.
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Teffo referred to particular positions having been advertised through circulars, commenting that, “as a union, we do not stand for corruption”.
Departmental Spokesperson Mamoshahse Mabotha says the MEC, upon her appointment in May, was notified of allegations of abuse of power, nepotism, favoritism and fraud. In an effort to regain the credibility of the department, a fraud audit unit was established to investigate the claims.
The findings and recommendations stemming from the investigation have been concluded, and according to Mabotha, officials implicated in the report have been notified of planned disciplinary action against them.
“This will be done in line with the set disciplinary procedures, to give the officials the opportunity to prepare themselves for corrective measures. They will stand before a disciplinary committee and account for what the report has found them guilty of.”
Teffo, on the other hand, said the union appreciates the effort by the department.”The department has notified us but the findings have not been revealed to us, to observe protocol. It is only the content and findings that will indicate whether the investigation was fruitful or not.”
He said the department has the tendency of “dealing with small fry while the seniors get spared at the expense of the lower level staff,” and the union will, in this regard, follow up. “We want to ensure that those who are implicated, are dealt with accordingly.”
