Staff reporter
Bloemfontein – The staff of CommunitySafety, Roads and Transport have accused Dr Masego Tshabalala, head of Department of turning the department into circus, thus making her a clown.
This, in response to an email Tshabalala sent on Thursday.
“Greetings colleagues,
I just cannot turn a blind eye and remain silent on the above,
as ignoring them would risk further eroding trust, morale, and the department’s commitment to ethical standards. It is imperative to confront falsehoods directly, to reinforce a culture where integrity and accountability are upheld without compromise.
It is with deep disappointment that I address these ugly state of affairs unfolding within the Chief Directorate- and the department.
The circulation of defamation and baseless rumors against other colleagues continues to tarnish not only personal reputations but the reputation of our department. The allegations reflect a culture of lawlessness and impunity that will not be tolerated.
As the accounting officer, I cannot and will not ignore these developments. The Department of Community Safety, Roads, and Transport has a responsibility to uphold the values of integrity, transparency, and accountability. Rest assured, that consequence management will continue to be enforced without fear or favour. The protection of individual reputations and the credibility of our processes are paramount, and action will be against any form of conduct that undermines our mission, as per Directive on Discipline Management issued by the DPSA.”
Tshabalala continued.
“Let me be clear: no individual in this department is tasked with executing “dirty work” on behalf of anyone else. All decisions, including consultations and transfers, are aligned with departmental needs, policies, and legal frameworks, not personal agendas. This department is not a platform for grudges or vendettas; it is an instrument of public service and accountability.
To those spreading rumours or seeking to derail our focus with accusations and misinformation, know that your efforts will not sway us from our purpose. The foundation of our department rests on trust and responsibility to the public, not on manufactured plots against individuals.
I call on each of you to stand firm in our commitment to service delivery, knowing that we are governed by public service standards and principles, not by rumours.
I want to remind everyone that our duty is to serve the people of this province with integrity and to support each other professionally- especially engineers- who are expected to be professionally registered and leading by example in the project of Professionalisation of Public Service.
We are here to uplift and improve, not to tear down. I appreciate those who remain focused and dedicated to our shared goals despite the distractions and challenges posed by unfounded attacks.”
STAFF RESPOND
“Since when are you unable to turn a blind eye Dr? Lateral transfers of more than 50 officials were conducted in an unethical manner and approved by yourself. It’s funny that you talk about being “governed by public service standards and principles, not rumours” Most of the transfers were definitely based on rumours and personal agendas, there were NO consultations, but you say transfers were aligned with departmental needs, policies, and legal frameworks?? Rubbish!
The department continues to regress since your arrival, you and the former MEC have created a culture of toxicity, grudges and vendettas, which is funny?
How are you Professionalising the Public Service when you have transferred qualified and skilled officials to redundant posts based on rumours and personal agendas?
It’s also very funny that you mention religion and quote scriptures? Do these scriptures appear anywhere in the department’s policy? Please clarify Dr. Masego!
What do you mean when you say no individual in this department is tasked with executing “dirty work”? Were you not aware when you were signing transfer letters on former MEC’s instructions that you were doing her “dirty work” based on personal agendas and vendettas?
Since your arrival in the department, the moral is very low, the audit outcome a disgrace ! Dr you clearly have no idea how to run that institution …it has turned into a circus.”
Last year Tshabalala received death threats for allegedly caring former MEC’s instruction.
Together, as MEC and HOD attended a meeting with 25 contractors where former MEC now Premier threaten to terminate contracts if they don’t plough back.
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Cowards hiding behind women skirts. If there’s an injustice show your face