Question NW3199 to the Minister of Public Service and Administration
24 October 2023 - NW3199
Gondwe, Dr M to ask the Minister of Public Service and Administration
1. (a) On what grounds was a certain person (name furnished) suspended from her department on 13 October 2020, (b) who suspended the specified person and (c)(i) for what period has the person been on suspension and (ii) at what cost to her suspension. 2. (a) who was implicated in the whistleblower report that the specified person submitted, (b) to whom was the report submitted, (c) what information was contained in the report and (d) why did her department not act on the information contained in the report submitted by the person? NW4272E
Reply:
1. (a) The employee was suspended in terms of the Disciplinary Code applicable to members of the SMS (the Code) as it was alleged that the employee had committed serious acts of misconduct (29 charges) including several allegations of prejudicing the administration of the department, failing to carry out lawful instructions, abuse, insolence and gross insubordination. The employer believed that the employee’s presence in the workplace may jeopardise the investigation, endanger the well- being or safety of employees and/or witnesses and undermine the work of the employer.
(b) The employee was suspended in accordance with the Public Service Act and the Code by the Director-General, which was subsequently extended by the chairperson in terms of paragraph 2.7. 2(c) of the Code.
(c) (i) The employee was suspended from 13 October 2020 until 27 September 2023, when the matter was finalised.
(ii) The employee was suspended on full pay in terms of paragraph 2.7. 2(b) of the Code.
2. The DPSA is not aware of any whistleblowing report submitted by the employee and cannot therefore provide details thereof.
End