Social Dev. staff seek intervention from Ramaphosa, Mbalula, and Human Rights Commission

Staff reporter

Bloemfontein – The staff at the Free State Social Development have written to President Cyril Ramaphosa for intervention.

According to the email sent on 9 April 2024, 15h56, other recipients include; the South African Human Rights Commission, African National Congress, Minister of Social Development, Free State Premier, Legal Practitioners Council, Public Protector, Public Service Commission, and Department of Public Service.

The 8-page complaint letter in possession of this publication is seeking for investigation into the alleged abuse of power and bullying by Social Development, Advocate TJ Phahlo, and Nelisiwe Ntombela.

They accuse Phahlo of:

• He suspended officials without following due processes (unprocedural) and for longer periods, which is contrary to resolution 1 of 2003, disciplinary code, and procedures. Subsequent to that when disputes were lodged against the department and awards in favor of the applicant, he reviewed such awards, which were frivolous to frustrate such officials,

• Transferring officials without following due process (unprocedural)

• Irregular appointments were flagged by PSC but no implementation of recommendations

• Termination of acting Chief Director while on sick leave, canceling an official appointment of Acting HOD without her knowledge

• Instructing State Attorney to file review appointments of Chief Director: Community Development and Chief Director: Social Welfare Services because these CDs have laid grievances against him

Against Ntombela who has been acting as Chief Director of Corporate Service since 2019 to date, they accuse her of:

• Irregularly appointed as Director: ICT

• Joined Social Development as Assistant Director: ICT on 1 December 2014 (without relevant qualifications and experience)
  Two months later, on 31 January 2015, she was transferred to Police, Roads and Transport(lateral)
  
  – A day later, on 1 February 2015, she was appointed Director: ICT
• 
  22 February 2017 she was transferred to Social Development

All this while her mother-in-law was MEC for the Social Department

The staff asked for an inquiry and that Phahlo be moved for a thorough investigation.

Only PSC confirmed receipt of the letter.

“The PSC can confirm receipt of the complaint, and we are drafting a report outlining the findings and recommendations for resolution.”

In other news, former ANC Secretary General, Ace Magashule has taken a swipe at his former Provincial Secretary, Sbongile Besani asking him to take medication.

According to Magashule, Besani suffered mental breakdown and was once found walking barefoot and half naked on the N1.

Magashule alleges Besani defrauded SARS and urged law enforcement to be consistent and not prosecute selectively.

This is a developing story

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