Staff Reporter
Bloemfontein – Mpho Sikisi, the newly appointed spokesperson for Free State Premier Joyce “Pretenders” Mathae, is under scrutiny for possible breaches and conflicts of interest involving the Free State Gambling, Liquor and Tourism Authority (FSGLTA). If proven, the matter could potentially amount to criminal conduct.
This follows a STEPUPSANEWS report which exposed how board members at the entity were allegedly milking its coffers through frequent meetings and allowances.
STEPUPSANEWS can confirm that while Sikisi was employed by the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality, she was also claiming allowances as a non-executive board member of the FSGLTA.
Afrika Boso, spokesperson for the Auditor-General of South Africa, confirmed Sikisi’s employment at the municipality and her board membership at FSGLTA but declined to comment on the legality of the allowances.
“We can confirm that Ms Mpho Sikisi is a non-executive board member of the FSGLTA.
It is also correct that she works for the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality.
The FSGLTA and Mangaung Metro will be best suited to confirm their declaration processes to ensure that there are no employment breaches or conflicts in this arrangement.”
The FSGLTA could not provide a direct response on how much Sikisi may have received in board allowances so far, instead indicated that an investigation will be conducted.
FSGLTA spokesperson Tshidiso Lerumo said the board would investigate the matter and make a determination.
“FSGLTA has taken note of the matter and its seriousness, the matter will be investigated and upon conclusion it will be taken to the Board for a decision based on processes of good governance, and compliance with applicable Treasury Regulations and PFMA prescripts.”
Meanwhile, Mangaung Metro City Manager Sello More said the municipality is verifying the facts through the appropriate internal channels.
According to Public Service Regulations, this might just be a conflict and possibly fraud if Sikisi was paid.
“Key Considerations for Public Servants on Boards:
Conflict of Interest: There must be no material conflict between the board role and official duties. Remunerative Work: Employees must get approval for outside paid work, cannot use work hours/resources for it, and cannot conduct business with any organ of state.
Voluntary Positions: Serving on non-profit boards (NGOs, associations) is generally allowed, provided it is voluntary (unpaid) and does not interfere with official duties.”
Just like Zumane, wait till when the investigations are done, they will say Sikisi was paid from the previous board because accountability is always shifted when governance fails, but we are on top of this board.
We are also (verifying) how they were appointed and how come it was never vetted.
In other news Zongezile Adam Zumane has been shipped to School of nursing and Kheswwa, a pharmacist at Senorita Nhlabathi Hospital is acting CEO for a month.
This is a developing story.
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