MEC proves interference exists in FSPG

Staff reporter

Bloemfontein – A letter in possession of STEPUPSANEWS appears to strengthen long-standing claims that political office bearers in the Free State Provincial Government interfere in administrative matters despite laws requiring a separation between politicians and officials.

For years, allegations have circulated that politicians unlawfully instruct departments and influence decisions meant to be taken by accounting officers, but such claims are often difficult to prove because instructions are rarely issued formally.

Now, a letter signed by Teboho “Sulky” Mokoena may place those concerns firmly on record.

In 2024, Premier Joyce “Pretenders” Mathae publicly boasted on Lesedi FM’s Thuso Motaung programme that she had terminated a contractor at the Department of Community Safety, Roads and Transport and appointed another company.

She said this with her chest out and could this mean she played a role in the appointment?

WATCH

However, documents seen by this publication indicate the decision had formally been taken by Dr Masego Tshabalala, then Head of Department, who was later transferred to the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture but continues acting at Community Safety, Roads and Transport.

The controversy deepened after the terminated company accused Mathae of corruption and further claimed that the successor company had paid R2 million for Mathae’s benefit, claims the Premier has denied publicly but has failed to sue despite her threats.

ANCWL fingered in the R2 million graft transaction

Mathae has also previously been accused of attempting to influence decisions at the Department of Human Settlements, reports neither she nor former MEC Teboho “Sulky” Mokoena have formally rebutted. This was done in court papers and until they rebut the claims, we will believe them as more information supports them.

STEPUPSANEWS can now confirm that Mokoena, while serving as MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development before his move to Human Settlements and COGTA, directly withdrew instructions from a law firm handling a labour dispute involving Ms LN Mngomezulu (Mokhatla).

In a letter dated 18 August 2023, Mokoena wrote:

“I hereby wish to withdraw the instruction from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Free State Provincial Government, for the review application of the arbitration award for the reinstatement of Ms LN Mngomezulu (Mokhatla) as awarded by the GPSSBC Commissioner on the 30th June 2023.”

Mokoena further stated that the matter had been discussed with the Head of Department.

“This matter has been discussed and finalised with the Head of the Department in line with the relevant executive authority’s powers.”

The key question, however, is whether the withdrawal was initiated lawfully through the department’s accounting structures or whether the MEC overstepped into administrative functions reserved for officials.

Another question is why Mokoena appeared to have such a direct interest in the Mngomezulu matter not forgetting putting his nose in finance and SCM matters.

Mokoena has not explained why a travel agency would send him a quotation.

One thing about Mokoena and Mathae is, if they are not lying to the poorest of them all, they interfere.

Questions will be sent to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development regarding the circumstances surrounding the withdrawal of the instruction and the extent of the MEC’s involvement.

This is a developing story.

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