Question NW1834 to the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies
26 June 2023 - NW1834
Mazzone, Ms NW to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies
(1) With reference to his reply to question 1034 on 4 May 2023, in which three members of his department were involved in irregular expenditure, what (a) were the (i) total amounts of irregular expenditure and (ii) relevant details of the specified irregular expenditure and (b) exact disciplinary action was taken against each of the three persons involved; (2) whether any of the three persons’ cases have been referred to the National Prosecuting Authority and/or SA Police Service for investigation into potential criminal conduct; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details in this regard? NW2085E
Reply:
(1) (a) (i) R 5 374 133,60
(ii) Two officials did not follow the Supply Chain Management (SCM) Policy and National Treasury Instruction note and one official did not follow the Human Resources (HR) policy.
(b) One official was charged with misconduct and was issued with a final written warning. He lodged a dispute at the General Public Service Sector Bargaining Council (GPSSBC) and received an award. The Department is currently studying the award.
The second official had transferred to another Department before the investigation was concluded. The Department has since written to the Employee’s Department to inform them of the irregular expenditure, in terms of the Public Service Act No. 103 of 1994. They are now studying the documentation to determine if disciplinary action should be taken.
The third official received a verbal warning for not following HR Policies.
(2) The cases were not referred to National Prosecuting Authority or SA Police Service for investigation because it was determined by the Department that there was no fraud, corruption and/or criminal conduct perpetrated.
Thank You.