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Today I have written to the Chairperson of the Public Service Commission (PSC), who has been asked by the Minister of Correctional Services to investigate circumstances around the recent correctional services housing scandal. The DA is asking for the thorough examination of various specific aspects of the matter, to ensure that the investigation by the PSC covers all the necessary issues relating to this matter.

The correspondence follows below:
16 July 2009

The Chairperson
Public Service Commission
Private Bag X121
PRETORIA
0083

PER TELEFAX: (012) 325-8308

Dear Sir

INVESTIGATION INTO POSSIBLE IMPROPER RENTAL HOUSING FOR SENIOR OFFICIALS IN THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES

I understand from a media conference held on Tuesday 14 July 2009 that the Minister of Correctional Services, the Hon Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula MP, has requested the Public Service Commission to investigate the circumstances that led to the National Commissioner of Correctional Services and the Gauteng Commissioner occupying rented accommodation at the State's expense despite there being official residences for them. I welcome this investigation, and hope that it will be able to get to the bottom of these events.

I would be grateful if, in the course of this investigation, the following aspects of this matter could be examined:

1. It has been alleged that the money used to pay for the rent for this accommodation was improperly appropriated from programmes within the Correctional Services Budget Vote not intended for this purpose.

2. National Commissioner Sibeko is quoted in the media as saying that the former Minister of Correctional Services Ngconde Balfour approved the rental of her accommodation and that of the Regional Commissioner. The problem is that the Regional Commissioner is Ms Mqobi-Balfour, the wife of the former Minister. It would seem that this is at best a serious conflict of interest. At worst, it could be interpreted as Mr Balfour ensuring that the rent for his conjugal residence was paid by the tax-payer.

3. It is further alleged that the State also footed the bill for the removal of Ms Mqobi-Balfour's household effects into the accommodation she rents. If this is true, is it covered by the relevant provisions of the Public Service Regulations?

I sincerely believe that unless these aspects are fully canvassed and satisfactorily answered, the investigation will not be complete.

Yours sincerely

JAMES SELFE MP