Whistle-blower's allegations 'not true'

Johannesburg, 10 Sep 2007

The senior executive accused of job piracy and fraud is not under investigation, says Department of Communications director-general Lyndall Shope-Mafole.

On Friday, ITWeb reported that a letter requesting a financial forensic investigation be undertaken on the person in question had been sent to the director of public prosecutions and copied to various other governmental and parliamentary organisations.

The whistle-blower, whose identity is still unknown, alleged the executive had used new employees to skim money from the department's coffers and receive kickbacks from tender-winners.

The letter calls this practice "job piracy" and defines it as "fraud relating to recruitment and the allocation of tenders relating to projects within the HR department".

'Almost 100% sure'

Shope-Mafole this morning revealed the executive - whose name is known to ITWeb - has not been suspended.

"It must be noted that these are just allegations. I am almost 100% sure that these are absolutely false. I personally participate in the interviews and appointments of all senior management posts and have seen nothing which has raised any doubts as to the legitimacy of the recruitment process," she says.

Communications minister Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri has received a report from the DG outlining the meetings and recruitment processes. Once she has perused the report, she will make a decision on whether further action should be taken, notes Shope-Mafole.

"I very much doubt an investigation will happen - you need doubt to embark on an investigation. At the moment we just have a whistle-blower whom I am certain is acting under a hidden agenda."

No evidence

Shope-Mafole also dismissed advice from the Public Service Commission (PSC) that the department consult with the state law advisor on some of its findings.

"The PSC only did a desktop audit. I have looked into the matter. I have scrutinised the bank statements of one of the employees alleged to be caught in the matter and found no suspicious amounts. I have also spoken with the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism and they also have no concerns."

However, the PSC says it has not finalised its assessment of the matter.

"The PSC is aware of the allegations (an anonymous complaint was received on 11 June 2007) and is currently conducting an assessment into the matter. The PSC has not finalised the assessment into the matter. However, it should be noted that in terms of PSC protocol, findings and recommendations made at the finalisation of an investigation are forwarded to the relevant minister for consideration and implementation," it notes.

Shope-Mafole also denies the executive in question is related to the department's high vacancy rate.

"The 37% vacancy rate quoted is on the structure we would like to have in the future. We have not asked for - or received - budget for such a structure as we are still working to get there. The two have no connection. In fact, I would go as far as to say that the accused is one of the best HR professionals that government has in its realm."