“He knows what to do if he is not happy” – Mbalula makes unilateral changes at Community Safety Department

Staff Reporter

Bloemfontein – In what appears to be a repeat of a previous incident declared irregular by the Public Service Commission (PSC), Free State MEC for Community Safety, Roads and Transport Jabu Mbalula has taken matters into his own hands by making changes within the department’s Supply Chain Management (SCM) unit.

This borders on corruption” – contractors accused Transport MEC

Mbalula allegedly called a meeting with the SCM team where he announced changes to the department’s structure.

According to audio of the 35-second meeting in the possession of this publication, Mbalula went straight to the point after introductions.

“Okay colleagues, this is what is going to happen going forward.

Number 1– There are going to be changes in this unit. The changes are going to be as follows:

Ntate Molisana, Justice, is going to join Asset Management, and he knows what to do if he is not happy with that process.

Number two – in the meantime, all the operations of Supply Chain and anything else connected therewith are going to be taken care of directly by the CFO.

Akere ra utlwana, bagaetsho. The meeting is closed. Thank you.”

Mbalula can also be heard telling staff to take their phones after they had been instructed to leave them outside, apparently out of fear that the meeting could be recorded. The meeting was nevertheless recorded and audio will be published in due course.

The Director: Supply Chain Management, Justice Molisana, was transferred from SCM to Asset Management despite allegedly not consenting to the move, as required.

Mbalula also appointed Chief Financial Officer Evodia Malebo to act as Director: SCM.

This cannot be made up. He said it himself.

Why and how Mbalula, and not the Head of Department (HOD), took the decision is a question we will answer soon.

The developments raise questions about whether the MEC acted within his powers. According to a Public Service Commission ruling, the powers and duties to transfer employees on salary levels 1 to 14 have been delegated to the Head of Department.

On 2 July 2024, the PSC declared the transfer of Thandi Mohai to be irregular after finding that the prescribed procedures had not been followed. The ruling was sent to Mbalula.

PSC finds a transfer of an employee at Community Safety, Roads and Transport “irregular”

StepUp SA News is further investigating allegations that the developments may be linked to the awarding of a contract to Raubex Construction.

Justice Molisana and Dr Masego Tshabalala didn’t respond to our questions but rather reffered this publication to Hilary Mophethe, spokesperson for department.

Jabu Mbalula, MEC for Community Safety, Roads and Transport, did not respond to our questions, including whether he had a hand in the appointment of Raubex.

Below are the questions sent to Mbalula:

1. Can you confirm you transferred Director SCM to Asset?
2. Did he consent?
3. Did he consult?
4. Why is the transfer spearheaded by you and not the HOD?
5. Why did you choose the CFO to take charge of SCM?
6. Is that even lawful?
7. Did you have a hand in the appointment of Raubex in the Reitz/Kestel contract?
8. Lastly, in the meeting, what did you mean when you said, “If he is not happy, he knows what to do if he is not happy with the process”?
9. Does that not mean you know he did not consent?

Nina lapho Office of The Premier, Public Works and Infrastructure, DESTEA and Education niyenzani?

The amount of fraud and corruption currently happening shows the 7th administration might be the most corrupt yet Ace Magashule is still blamed.

This while Madlanga is shown on TV and arrests made weekly.

This is a developing story.

Support Independent Journalism

Stories like this matter. Accountability matters. Truth matters.

If you believe in fearless, independent reporting that holds power to account, help us keep going.

Your contribution, even as little as R10, makes a difference.

Choane Group (Pty) Ltd
FNB Account: 63110371703

If you have news or tips, please email news@stepupsanews.co.za or WhatsApp 068 507 6731.

Independent. Unbought. Unfiltered.