Staff reporter
Qonce – Revelations that personnel in the office of Viceroy Mahlatsi, MEC for Health, are occupying positions for which they are not qualified are just the tip of the iceberg.
Viceroy Mahlatsi, who previously led COSATU in the province as Provincial Secretary, was appointed MEC for Health in July 2024. He subsequently brought in Zukile March and Rosemary Pooe to work in his office.
The duo reportedly have matric as their highest qualification and did not meet the requirements for the positions earmarked for them at salary levels 11 and 12 respectively, yet a plan was hatched to secure their appointments.
STEPUPSANews can confirm that Gerald Modise, office manager to Elzabe Rockman, is occupying a salary level 13 position, with a diploma : Youth Development from University of South Africa as his highest qualification.
These appointments are in violation of DPSA’s Section 5 of Circular 47 of 2024 (Employment in the offices of Executive Authorities).
“The Executive must satisfy himself or herself that all provisions of 67(9) have been complied with, that the candidate qualifies in all respects for the post, and that his or her claims on the application for the post have been verified.”
Section 6 further deals with suitability.
“Inherent requirements of the post: The primary requirements are that appointments in the office of the Executive are filled by individuals who are suitably qualified and meet all the requirements of the job.
Consequently, departments and EAs must adhere to the inherent requirements specified.”
These appointments also go against Guide For Members of The Executive signed by President Ramaphosa on the 2 November 2022.
If Public Service Commission in Free State was not in bed with Free State Provincial Government it should have investigated the following appointments:
- Zongezile Adam Zumane
- Zukile March
- Rosemary Pooe
- Millicent Setai
- Dr Solomon Phera
Notably, MECs themselves provide lists of their preferred office staff when they assume office, making it difficult to shift blame elsewhere.
Mathae is not only in charge of a failing state, she is directly involved.
She just transferred Dr Masego Tshabalala from Community Safety, Roads and Transport to Sport, Arts, Culture only to reappoint her to act at the same department she has been transferred from.
Governance is collapsing, brick by brick.
In other news, the Bainsvlei Combined School hostel investigations have led this publication to corruption linked to camps with criminal investigations now underway.
Modeihi Moeng, spokesperson for the Department of Rural Development, said the department could not divulge the qualifications of employees without their consent.
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