Communications minister Siphiwe Nyanda said on Sunday that his former director-general Mamodupi Mohlala had “crossed the line” following a Sunday Independent report.
“Nyanda believes Mohlala has now crossed the line if the allegations contained in today’s Sunday Independent are correct,” he was quoted as saying in a statement issued by spokesman Panyaza Lesufi.
“The ministry rejects the baseless and fabricated allegations that the DG’s contract was terminated because she laid criminal charges about tenders with [the] auditor-general and the SA Police Service.
“This attitude can’t continue unchallenged,” Nyanda was quoted as saying.
“The termination of [the] contract of the DG had nothing to do with contracts but all to do with her conduct, processes and systems.”
The Sunday Independent reported that the day before she was axed as director-general, Mohlala had reported tender irregularities worth R70m to the police for a fraud and corruption investigation.
Mohlala had also reportedly written to the auditor-general saying “several forensic audits” had shown how tender processes were flouted.
She had reportedly called for disciplinary action against senior officials.
The Sunday Independent said Mohlala had refused to comment when contacted.
The communications department said in its statement on Sunday: “We want to put on record that the department has never been approached by the SA Police Service or the auditor-general’s office on the allegations as claimed by a so-called letter send to the police and the auditor-general.
“Until we are approached by the police, the ministry reaffirms its willingness to avail our staff members if they are needed by the law enforcement agencies.”
Mohlala was dismissed by Nyanda in July following an “irreparable breakdown” in their relationship.
Mohlala had contested the legality of her dismissal, arguing that only the president could fire a director-general.
In a settlement with Nyanda it was agreed Mohlala would take a month’s leave during which time public service & administration minister Richard Baloyi would find a suitable post for her in the public service, negotiate “redeployment” with her, and conclude the contract before 27 September.
She has rejected a R2,9m golden handshake. — Sapa
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