In a reply to a DA parliamentary question the Minister of Trade and Industry, Rob Davies, revealed that there are currently six senior government officials within Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) who are on suspension with full pay, costing the taxpayer R2.8 million in just one year.

In terms of section 7(2)(c) of the Disciplinary Code and Procedures for the Public Service, prompt investigations must be conducted and disciplinary hearings must be held within 60 days from the date of suspension. Five of the six suspended have not had any disciplinary action taken against them, even though the 60 day period has long since passed.

I have today written to Minister Davies requesting that he commits to a date by which these disciplinary hearings will commence, so that the six suspensions can be concluded as soon as possible.

What is of particular concern is the fact that five of the six officials were suspended for allegations of fraud or corruption. This adds to a series of allegations of corruption within the DTI, including senior officials within the Companies Tribunal and the National Gambling Board being found guilty by separate forensic audit reports.

The fact that no disciplinary action has been taken against these suspended senior officials within the prescribed 60 day period brings Minister Davies ability to effectively deal with corruption under question.

Minister Davies must act with urgency to send out a clear warning that corruption will not be dealt with lightly under his purview.

It is unacceptable that ordinary South Africans are footing the bill for a host of suspended employee’s salaries, placing an unnecessary strain on the public purse.

 

Issued  by DA