Communications minister Faith Muthambi's new special advisor, Jimmy Manyi, will not be required to step down from his position as a senior manager at Rand Water, as he has been employed by the Department of Communications (DOC) on a part-time basis.
While Manyi's appointment has been shrouded in secrecy, it earlier emerged that Rand Water has written to the Department of Public Service and Administration to get clarity on whether Manyi needs to resign - as government officials should not hold two separate government posts.
In the meantime, Manyi submitted annual leave for "external engagements" to accompany Muthambi to London for the Innova BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, SA) Summit earlier this week.
Rand Water has reportedly stated Manyi submitted a formal declaration of interest to the company, and told the parastatal his DOC role was a part-time position.
This has now been confirmed by Muthambi's spokesperson Ayanda Holo, who says that "appointment is on a part-time basis and it's not a requirement for Jimmy Manyi to resign any full-time position he may be holding, unless there is a conflict, in which case he has an obligation to manage or avoid that conflict".
When asked whether Manyi's appointment followed a standard human resources process, or whether it was a political appointment, solely based on a decision by Muthambi, Holo states: "All advisory appointments in government must have the support of a minister and are governed by the Public Service Act and Cabinet decisions."
However, this does little to shed light on the actual hiring process that was followed, and Manyi's appointment bears a striking resemblance to the employment of Thuthukile Zuma - president Jacob Zuma's daughter - to the position of chief of staff at the Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services. Zuma's appointment is being investigated by the Public Service Commission, which is looking into the regularity of the placement, as the post was never advertised.
Just a spin doctor?
Much speculation also surrounds Manyi's actual job functions at the DOC. Despite being asked for a breakdown of Manyi's duties as a Muthambi's advisor, Holo says: "He is a special advisor to the minister of communications for the entire portfolio on both [a] proactive and reactive basis."
Democratic Alliance shadow communications minister Gavin Davis says the wording of the DOC's response - "proactive" and "reactive" - indicate Manyi has been employed as an additional spin doctor for the minister.
"She already has a media liaison officer and other communications personnel. The appointment of Manyi as a spin doctor, coupled with reports that the minister has had to undertake special media training, suggest she is attempting to salvage her public image, following months of negative media coverage."
Davis also questions the DOC's justification that Manyi would be able to keep his position at Rand Water. "Manyi's appointment to the minister's office may be on a part-time basis, but he still has a full-time job at Rand Water.
"Serious questions, therefore, need to be asked whether he will be able to focus his attention on his job at Rand Water."
ICT veteran Adrian Schofield also describes Manyi's appointment as nothing more than adding another spin doctor to the DOC fold. "This is further evidence that government is determined to ensure the country hears what the ANC wants it to hear.
"It's a further entrenchment of the 'do as we say, not as we do' culture, and it's plainly obvious that government wants us to do its bidding."
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