Acting merry-go-round continues at Human Settlements as acting SCM director quits

Staff Reporter

Bloemfontein — Pressure is mounting over the continued use of acting appointments at the Free State Department of Human Settlements, amid allegations of interference and abuse of power within the department’s Supply Chain Management (SCM) offices.

Inhumane treatment of staff at Human Settlements continues unabated

The latest development follows the resignation of SKW Mahamotse, who had been serving as acting Director of SCM.

Mahamotse took over the acting position from John Matlakala, who, together with Carol Tlali, was moved to the Office of the Premier on 1 June 2026.

According to a memorandum in possession of STEPUPSA NEWS, Mahamotse was initially expected to serve in the acting position until 30 November 2026.

However, STEPUPSA NEWS can confirm that Mahamotse resigned with effect from 31 August 2026.

The department has yet to appoint an acting Director of SCM, raising further questions about the stability and management of one of the department’s critical functions.

Insiders within the department have raised concerns about what they describe as persistent interference in the work of SCM officials.

According to employees who spoke to STEPUPSA NEWS on condition of anonymity, people who do not ordinarily have a role in SCM allegedly enter the offices, monitor officials’ work and, in some instances, issue instructions regarding which companies should be appointed.

“We can’t even blink. Officials, including people who have no business coming to this office, are always here,” one employee alleged.

Another serious allegation involves an employee who was allegedly threatened with physical harm over their work.

“Our colleague was even told that if they don’t do their work, they will be handled physically, but she is scared to go to the police,” an insides claimed.

The allegations have also raised questions about the role of the Public Service Commission (PSC) in monitoring the provincial administration.

When asked why employees had not reported their concerns to the PSC, one employee responded:

“We don’t have PSC in Free State. It serves the interests of our oppressors. Which PSC?”

The statement appears to contradict the position of PSC Chairperson Dr Somadoda Fikeni, who has previously spoken about the commission’s constitutional responsibility to promote effective and accountable public administration.

“Get a legal opinion or bring in PSC” -Dr Fikeni urges public servants not to take unlawful instructions from politicians

We asked them to start recording, so that we can expose their rot.

This is a developing story as we get into SCM.

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