The Media, Information and Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority (MICT SETA) has put its CEO and top management on precautionary suspension.
MICT SETA is a skills development institution established in terms of the Skills Development Act of 1998, with a mission to generate, facilitate and accelerate the processes of quality skills development at all levels in the MICT sector in South Africa.
In a statement this afternoon, MICT SETA says chief executive officer, Oupa Mopaki, and three other managers, namely Naledi Sibandze, senior manager for corporate services; Jabu Sibeko, senior manager of learning programmes; and Ernest Nemugavhini, manager of learning programmes, have been placed on precautionary suspension pending a recent investigation into the allegations received from the Auditor General and Public Protectors' office.
The decision was taken by the board, on 1 March 2018.
Last year, Parliament's portfolio committee on higher education and training, which exercises oversight of the government entity, said allegations of corruption running into millions at the MICT SETA involving Mopaki needed to be thoroughly investigated.
Mopaki was alleged to have been involved in corrupt and fraudulent activities that saw the entity lose millions to companies in which he had personal interest, which benefited from tenders.
In a statement last year, the chairperson of the portfolio committee Connie September said it would be unfortunate if the alleged corruption occurred as funding at SETA is mainly intended for poor learners, who are struggling to gain work experience.
The CEO and respective managers have immediately proceeded on compulsory leave to give room for an investigation into the allegations, it notes.
The suspension is not a presumption of guilt on any individual but is merely intended to provide the necessary space to properly deal with these allegations, says MICT SETA.
Furthermore, the board has appointed Charlton Philiso as acting CEO to take over the running operations of the SETA with immediate effect.
"The board and management team of the MICT SETA are committed to ensuring business continuity that reinforces leadership of the organisation," said the chairperson of the Board, Sipho Mjwara.
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