Communications minister Yunus Carrim has welcomed the decision by president Jacob Zuma to direct the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to probe “allegations of serious maladministration” at the Post Office.
Zuma signed a proclamation directing the SIU to investigate “serious maladministration in connection with the affairs of the Post Office, improper or unlawful conduct by the officials of the Post Office and unlawful appropriation or expenditure of public money”, said his spokesman, Mac Maharaj.
Other allegations to be investigated by the SIU included irregularities, malpractice or maladministration in the affairs of the Post Office in relation to management of immovable property, intentional or negligent loss of public money, damage to public property, management of immovable property, the implementation of the WebRipost system, and loans granted to Courier and Freight Group.
“The SIU will further investigate allegations of irregularities relating to the recruitment, selection and appointment of officials or employees of the Post Office as well as payments which were made to fictitious officials or employees,” Maharaj said.
“The investigation will help the Post Office to deal with mismanagement, account more accurately for public funds and plan properly for a sustainable Post Office in a rapidly digitising era,” said Carrim.
The outcome of the SIU investigation will allow the Post Office to ensure that action is taken against those found guilty of misconduct, and assist the department of communications to stabilise the organisation and exercise more effective oversight, he said.
Acting Post Office chairman Nelly Manzini also welcomed the proclamation. “The timing of the intervention proves a good opportunity for the Post Office, as the company is currently in the process of implementing a business overhaul strategy, backed by a detailed corporate plan, which is aimed at improving its overall performance and market position. Consequently, it will provide full cooperation into the investigation,” she said. — (c) 2014 NewsCentral Media, with Sapa