Question NW3528 to the Minister of Public Enterprises
06 December 2022 - NW3528
Essack, Mr F to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
(1)(a) Which service provider was appointed to conduct a forensic investigation to determine which employee(s) in his department allegedly leaked information regarding the qualifications of the Chief of Staff, Ms Nthabiseng Borotho, to the media, (b) what was the outcome of the specified investigation, (c) what total amount did the investigation cost and (d) what were the terms of reference of the investigation; (2) whether any employees faced any form of disciplinary action for allegedly leaking information regarding the specified person’s qualifications to the media; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
a) The service provider that was appointed to conduct an investigation into DPE information and data leak on Ms Borotho’s recruitment process including matters of a personal matter to the media was Abacus Financial Crime Advisory (Pty) Ltd.
b) The report concluded that there was a concerted and intentional release and dissemination of confidential DPE information and documentation to the media.
c) R281 168.00
d) (i) Establish whether there was a concerted intentional release of secure or private/confidential information to an untrusted environment (the media);
(ii) Collect evidence to fully understand the scale and the impact of a breach;
(iii) Identify the source of the leak and identify where DPE can be assisted in respect of data and information leakage;
(iv) Whether or not any matter should be referred to the South African Police Services (SAPS) or any other law enforcement agents, and
(v) Provide recommendations on the outcome of the investigation.
2. It was recommended that disciplinary action be considered against the official who shared her password with the official who leaked the information.
The official who shared her password and against whom disciplinary action is recommended left the Department a while back and it is therefore impossible to act against her.
Remarks: Approved / Not Approved
Jacky Molisane Pravin Gordhan, MP
Acting Director-General Minister
Date: Date: