Head of Free State Community Safety, Roads and Transport under investigation by PSC

Staff reporter

Bloemfontein – The head of the department at Free State Community Safety, Road and Transport, Dr Masego Tshabalala is under investigation by the Public Service Commission (PSC).

This followed a complaint laid with the Public Service Commission on 28 February 2024 after we published a story related to her acting beyond the expiry of her acting allegedly without approval.

“She must repay the money”

According to the letter, signed on the 5th of April 2024 by PSC’s caretaker commissioner, Ms N Ngwenya, the complaint falls under the jurisdiction of PSC.

“The allegation falls within the mandate and jurisdiction of the PSC, and will be considered and investigated by the PSC.”

With regards to other complaints Ngwenya said;

• The irregular approval of payment of PMDS notches to SMS members;

Kindly note that the matter has already been investigated by the PSC, and a report was submitted to the Office of the Premier for consideration.

• Alleged misrepresentation of facts by the HOD: Dr. M Tshabalala, to the MEC and Provincial Legislature;

The allegation concerns the personal conduct of the HOD, and must therefore be investigated by the relevant Executive Authority, and dealt with as an act of misconduct.

You are therefore advised to report the matter to the Executive Authority (Office of the Premier) for consideration, and possible disciplinary action.

Furthermore, you have alleged that the HOD acted in contempt of court when she unlawfully re-appointed Mr. Ntamo, despite him been found guilty on two dismissible offences by the Labour Court. In terms of Rule 4(1)(c) of the of the PSC Rules on Conducting Investigations, 2017, the PSC does not have the jurisdiction to investigate court related outcomes or decisions. You are therefore further advised to make an application to the Labour Court to hold Dr. Tshabalala in contempt of court.

In view of the foregoing, the allegations cannot be investigated by the PSC.”

Tshabalala is the third HOD to be referred to PSC after complaints were lodged against Masechaba Sesing, head of Free State Treasury, and Mosa Masemene, head of Human Settlement.

Sesing was found to have “unlawfully interfered with and intercepted the recruitment and selection process in question.”

PSC recommended disciplinary action against Sesing but she tried to interdict and her application was dismissed costs. She is also facing a probe by the Public Protector and SAICA.

About Masenene, the PSC is yet to issue a report.

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