Question NW2217 to the Minister of Social Development
03 September 2018 - NW2217
Holomisa, Dr BH to ask the Minister of Social Development
(1)Whether, with reference to a certain letter (details furnished), she has been notified of the specified matter; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what steps has she undertaken in this regard; (2) Whether she will commit to take steps to address the complaints and the injustices caused to the specified employees; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) Whether she intends to take action against employees who are found to hold positions whilst they do not meet the required job specifications or who falsified qualifications; if not, why not, if so, what are the relevant details; (4) Whether she intends to open an investigation into racketeering in light of the specified letter; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. Yes, I have been informed of the complaint by two former SASSA employees from the Eastern Cape. I was also provided with two investigation reports a) the investigation into alleged recruitment irregularities in the OR Tambo District and b) Report on the complaints of Ms Bulu and Ms Sikwebu. I have studied both these reports and believe that the matter has been adequately dealt with.
2. The investigation report found, inter alia, that there were some irregularities regarding the manner in which the region conducted its recruitment process and that, notwithstanding the said irregularities, the complainants did not qualify to be shortlisted for interviews for the posts in question.
3. The officials who were appointed, except for one, did meet the required job specifications and no evidence could be found that they falsified their qualifications. The official who was appointed without a matric certificate subsequently resigned from SASSA. However, corrective action was recommended against the Regional Human Capital Management (HCM) employees with regard to the unprofessional manner in which they handled the recruitment process. The latter recommendation was implemented by the former Regional Executive Manager.
4. I am of the view that there is no need for another investigation as the matter was fully investigated during 2015, and the report dated 02 October 2015 submitted with specific recommendations. The investigation did not find any evidence of criminality on the part of employees who were involved in the recruitment process. As indicated above, the official who was appointed without a matric certificate subsequently resigned from SASSA.
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Approved by the Minister on
Date……………………….