‘Job offered to unqualified candidate behind closed doors’
The Public Protector in Limpopo is probing the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture after the appointment of a Senior Communications Manager whose qualifications and experience did not meet the requirements for the position.
LIMPOPO – In addition, the appointment was made over that of another employee who held the position for almost two years.
Calvin Munyai decided to challenge the department legally after he was not appointed in the position, despite meeting the requirements for the job at NQ (National Qualifications Framework) level 7.
Munyai lodged a complaint with the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA), under the banner of the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu).
According to Nehawu’s Provincial Chairperson, Normal Mavhunga, the job incumbent, Kola Maila, holds a diploma in teaching, which equates to an NQ 5 level qualification. He therefore does not qualify for the position he holds.
Mavhunga furthermore alleges the position was not offered to Maila through the proper channels: “What is shocking is that the position was offered to Maila behind closed doors. Thus, Munyai approached the CCMA and subsequently also the Public Protector”.
Mavhunga held the view that some officials in office “want to take this province back to what led to its bankruptcy in 2011”.
A source inside the the Public Protector’s Head Office in Polokwane confirmed a case was opened.
Approached for comment, Maila referred CV to the department’s Head of Department (HOD), Mabakane Mangena. The HOD told CV Maila did in fact contest for the position with only a diploma in teaching, and that the appointment was made based on a “panel decision”.
He refuted allegations that he was influenced by a senior staff member in the Limpopo Provincial Government, who is a friend of his, to appoint Maila.
A source within the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture told CV that senior managers ” regret the blunder they made in terms of the appointment” and during the CCMA discussion suggested a settlement with Munyai, who accepted the settlement.
Consequently, the settlement dematerialised on 16 August due to the MEC, Nandi Ndlalane’s refusal to grant approval.
The officials CV sought comment from in this regard, including the MEC, were unavailable for comment at the time of publishing.
The source is, however, confident that Munyai will emerge victorious in his appeals.
“Munyai is going to win this case and it will give a platform to many officers who have been overlooked for positions while holding the necessary qualifications. It is shocking to see how corruption keeps rearing its head in the province while the premier had declared how unqualified officers occupying strategic positions should be replaced,” they said.
According to our source, the CCMA had postponed the case to 16 September. The Public Protector’s investigation is ongoing.
Limpopo Premier, Stanley Mathabatha’s Spokesperson, Kenny Mathiva confirmed an investigation was underway.
“The Premier wants people with qualifications to hold positions in government and if it is true that Maila was corruptly appointed, there is no excuse, action will be taken against him.
This is a new dispensation. Last week, Mathabatha was questioned by a radio station about the corruption allegations in the Department of Sport. He made it clear that he was not aware and will investigate the claims.
The Auditor General, Kimi Makwetu’s report shows a lack of skills in more than half of the Limpopo departments and entities. He revealed that the appointment of people without the proper qualifications is a serious concern and led to poor performance that resulted in the National Treasury putting five departments under administration in 2011.
“The appointment of unqualified officers contributes to the high levels of irregular and wasteful expenditure,” the report read.
