“This matter has been discussed and finalised with Head of Department” – Questions raised over Mokoena’s withdrawal of lawfully appointed law firm

Staff Reporter

Bloemfontein – The withdrawal of a mandate by Teboho “Sulky” Mokoena, then MEC for the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, in a matter involving the Finance and Supply Chain Management unit, raises serious questions about both the process followed and the accuracy of representations made at the time.

Mokoena’s letter to attorney Nhlanhla Lebeya of Lebesa Attorneys was sent two days after the law firm had notified Rampai Attorneys of its intention to review a bargaining council award.

According to documents in possession of this publication, Lebesa Attorneys questioned why the CCMA had appointed a commissioner who was not accredited to preside over the matter.

Lebeya subsequently wrote to Teboho Mosuoane, the department’s Director of Legal Services, informing him that the CCMA had confirmed that Dr Pholo was not accredited.

On 4 August 2023, Rahab Ramosena forwarded a letter from Mokoena withdrawing the mandate previously granted to Lebesa Attorneys.

In the letter, Mokoena stated that the matter had been “discussed and finalised with the Head of Department.”

However, information available to STEPUPSANEWS suggests this was not the case. Sources familiar with the matter indicate that the decision was challenged and that the Head of Department did not support the withdrawal of the mandate.

As is publicly known, the Head of Department was subsequently transferred to Lindela and his contract was not renewed and the acting Head of Department converted contracts of intervention team Mokoena hired into three years and they were seconded to COGTA.

The developments form part of a broader pattern of controversial decisions during Mokoena’s tenure.

This includes the appointment of a Director of Legal Services while Mosuoane was still occupying the position.

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