EFF poke holes into transfer of staff from DARD to Human Settlements 

Staff reporter 

Bloemfontein – The Economic Freedom Fighters(EFF) in Free  State have asked Teboho “Sulky” Mokoena, MEC for COGTA and Human Settlements a string of questions in relation to transfers.

This follows on the 5 November 2025, 5 employees hired “irregularly” by Sulky Mokoena seconded to COGTA

5 employees hired “irregularly” by Sulky Mokoena seconded to COGTA

In the story we reported how Ntumo, acting Chief Director: Corporate Services and 12 others left Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and joined Mokoena at COGTA and Human Settlements respectively. 

Below are questions Busanku Msimanga asked in the IQP:

1. (a) Was Mr. Ndumo formally appointed to this position, and if so, on what date was the appointment effected? 

(b) Will the MEC provide a copy of the letter of appointment and the memorandum approving the acting designation? 

(c) (i) What recruitment or selection process was followed prior to his appointment? 

(ii) What were the reasons for appointing Mr. Ndumo, considering that he had previously acted in a similar position in the Department of COGTA under the same MEC, Mr. Zacharia Mokoena? 

(iii) Has any verification been done to confirm whether the appointment complied with public service regulations governing acting positions?

2. (a) (i) How many officials from the Department of Agriculture have been appointed or transferred into the Department of Human Settlements since Hon. Mokoena’s assumption of office? 

(ii) What processes were followed in each of these appointments or transfers?

 (iii) Will the MEC provide a list of the names, designations, and dates of appointment of such officials? 

(iv) Was concurrence obtained from the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) and the Office of the Premier for each transfer?

 (v) What steps are being taken to ensure that transfers between departments comply fully with the Public Service Act and relevant regulations?

(b) (i) Were these positions advertised and filled through a competitive and transparent process? (ii) What were the qualifications and experience of the individuals appointed to these posts?

 (iii) Under what authority was the Chief Director: PMU displaced and subsequently transferred to the Department of Health?

 (iv) Was any consultation or due process followed before this transfer took place? 

(v) Does the Department consider the transfer and reassignment of senior officials without due process as compliant with the principles of fair labour practice?

(c) (i) On what date were these officers appointed, and who authorised their appointment? 

(ii) Were the positions advertised in accordance with departmental recruitment procedures?

 (iii) What minimum qualifications were required for the posts, and were all appointees verified to possess such qualifications, including valid driver’s licenses? 

(iv) What verification or vetting process was undertaken before the appointments were finalised? 

(v) Is the Department aware of allegations that some of these officers lack driver’s licenses and are being driven by other officials using state vehicles? If so, what action has been taken?

 (vi) Why were the reporting lines of these officers changed to report to the Acting Director: Beneficiary Management instead of the Office Manager in the HOD’s office?

3. (a) (i) What role does Mr. Ndumo currently play in recruitment and appointment processes within the Department of Human Settlements?

 (ii) Is it accurate that recruitment processes in both Human Settlements and COGTA are being overseen or coordinated by the same individual? (iii) What mechanisms exist to ensure separation of powers and prevent conflicts of interest in recruitment between departments? 

(iv) Has the Department conducted any internal audit or review of recent appointments to ensure compliance with the Public Service Act, 1994, and related regulations?

 (v) What corrective measures will be implemented should irregularities be confirmed?

(b) (i) What measures are in place to ensure that recruitment and appointment processes within the Department are insulated from political influence? 

(ii) Has the Department engaged with the Office of the Premier or the Public Service Commission to verify the legality of these appointments?

Mokoena’s recruitment drive which spreads across all regions is not to fight unemployment but it has more to do with his ambition to win the provincial conference.

In other news, at least 6 warrant of arrests have been signed in relation to corruption linked to procured-and-paid-but-never-delivered-goods at DARD. 

This relates to R1.8 million fraud, corruption and money laundering activity.

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