Makume clashes with his HoD in a meeting

Staff reporter

Bloemfontein – The management meeting in the Department of Human Settlement turned into a shouting match between MEC Ketso Makume and the Head of the Department, Mosa Masitha, over the uplifting of suspension of staff.

This was after Makume asked staff members who returned to work after suspension to leave the meeting until he received a full report from Masitha as he knew nothing according to insiders.

Our source said that when Masitha joined the meeting virtually Makume explained why he excused certain colleagues.

“The HoD joined the meeting late (virtually) after the MEC had asked the colleagues to wait for him, and he explained to the HoD what had happened and it looked like she understood.

Things a sharp u-turn when the MEC asked about the reports as he had tasked us with the budget and procurement plan. Key among his main concern was incomplete projects.”

Our source said the department almost returned unspent millions to Treasury but Makume intervened.

“We had over 600 million of unspent money in the 2020/2021 Financial Years and only R100 million was returned to Treasury and this is thanks to MEC.

To a large extent I understand his frustration because we can not not spend the money again, what will be the reason?”

It was at this point that Masitha allegedly lost her cool according to another source as she decried interference.

Staff morale at Human Settlement is at an all-time low after the suspension of Thuso Marumo, acting CFO after he allegedly asked the department to readvertise tenders as he was uncomfortable continuing with work he found midway and he will be held accountable should anything go left.

Another person who was suspended is David Sibitlo who allegedly called Masitha, a drama queen and was allegedly served with a suspension letter.

It was at the funeral of Advocate Tsepo Tsoaeli who was suspended that Makume said Marumo was suspended as CFO and he had to intervene, he went further to say most employees or public servants are suspended if they refuse to take unlawful instructions from politicians.

Makume must turn to his comrades and tell them to stop giving public servants unlawful instructions if the new leadership is to be taken serious.

His fellow MECs are busy meeting contractors.

In other news, Free State High Court will today hand down judgment in the ANC v Mangaung Metro matter.

Will Greg Nthatisi stay on as acting Executive Mayor or Papie Mokoena return? Only court will tell.

Motale Sebego, spokesperson for Human Settlement didn’t respond to our questions.

This is a developing story.

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