A Public Service Commission (PSC) 2005 finding of "sufficient proof" of irregular appointments at the Department of Communications is incorrect, says communications minister Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri.
Responding to parliamentary questions submitted by Democratic Alliance (DA) spokesman on communications Dene Smuts, Matsepe-Casaburri says she will not follow the PSC`s recommendations.
The response follows last month`s report that a whistle-blower had written to the director of public prosecutions, alleging a senior official in the ministry was involved in "fraud and job piracy".
In the letter, the whistle-blower noted that the PSC had previously found that the executive - whose name is known to ITWeb - had "erred" in the employment of four officials. The whistle-blower alleged that officials were now involved in the executive`s various scams.
Under-qualified
Matsepe-Casaburri`s parliamentary response reveals the communications department underwent a PSC investigation on the appointments of four staffers during 2005. She notes that no findings were made in respect of the executive named in the whistle-blower`s letter.
According to the minister, the PSC found "sufficient proof" to substantiate allegations of appointment irregularities in one employee`s case. This was based on the employee not meeting the basic requirements of the position. The PSC recommended that the department consult the chief state law advisor on appropriate action.
However, Matsepe-Casaburri says these instructions were not followed.
"The commission assumed that knowledge of [government software solution] Persal and three years` relevant management experience were mandatory for the post of a deputy director. This was not the case."
Over-paid
In the case of two employees who were found to have been appointed at salary levels higher than those advertised, the PSC recommended arrangements be made to recover the overpayments.
Again, Matsepe-Casaburri says she declined to follow the advice: "The director-general informs me that the salaries were appropriately authorised. To her knowledge, no public service regulation has been contravened."
As for the PSC`s recommendation that a fourth employee`s appointment be investigated further, Matsepe-Casaburri says she will implement instructions once the state law advisors have been consulted.
However, Matsepe-Casaburri does not reveal whether she has contacted the state law advisors, nor does she provide a time frame for the consultations.
Meanwhile, the DA`s Smuts says she will table this matter to Parliament`s portfolio committee on communications.
"Matsepe-Casaburri is simply not implementing recommendations. She seems to act as a law unto herself and an unguided missile. I intend to ask the committee to attend to this. The department is expected to appear before us this month and I intend to use this as an opportunity to tackle the matter and take it forward," she says.
The PSC was unavailable for comment this morning.
* Editor`s note: The identities of the employees investigated by the PSC are known to ITWeb.
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