Trade unions and political parties in KwaZulu-Natal have rejected the appointment of Yali Joyi as the chief financial officer of the provincial education department.
The South African Democratic Teacher’s Union (Sadtu) in KZN said it is disappointed that Joyi has been given another lucrative position despite her controversial history.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the union raised concerns about her track record in the provincial department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), where she faced allegations of gross financial mismanagement and embezzlement of funds.
Already struggling department
“Her appointment into this crucial senior position in the Department of Education that has serious cashflow challenges is a reckless and negligent, if not deliberate, move that is meant to lead to further drowning of the already collapsing department in the province,” according to the union.
She resigned from Cogta after being suspended in September 2024 over alleged corruption. The alleged corruption was related to procurement in the run-up to the 2024 general elections.
She was not found guilty in a court of law. However, Sadtu questions why her decision was to resign instead of waiting to be cleared. The union wants a meeting with Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka, and will request the Public Service Commission to probe the matter.
Sadtu is also looking to rope in the public protector to investigate this matter.
“Until told that Miss Joyi is cleared of all the allegations, Sadtu rejects her appointment. It calls on the department to suspend or put her on special leave. Furthermore, the department must get the investigation report and act in line with the findings,” the union insisted.
Job offer from MEC
Sunday World previously reported that Joyi had received a job offer from Hlomuka dated May 25 2025. The offer stated that she would assume the position at the beginning of July.
“This letter must be presented to Mr GN Ngcobo, who will facilitate your assumption of duty. It must, however, be noted that your appointment will only be processed upon receipt of the documents referred to in this letter.
“Your appointment, in accordance with the particulars reflected in this letter, is without prejudice. The department reserves the right to withdraw/withhold your appointment to the abovementioned post should it be found that: (a) You do not meet the requirements for the post,” the letter reads.
The National Teachers’ Union (Natu) is “astonished” that Yali would be employed to deal with the department’s finances in light of her “adverse financial management record”.
Lack of political will</strong></h2>
<p dir=”ltr”>“Miss Joyi clearly demonstrates a lack of political will to uphold the principle of good governance, transparency and accountability,” Natu said<h2 dir=”ltr”>in a statement.
Meanwhile, the DA and EFF are both disgruntled about the appointment.
“The move violates multiple legislative and constitutional provisions. And this is including Section 195 of the Constitution. It undermines the Public Finance Management Act and Public Service Act. Both of which disqualify individuals with unresolved allegations of financial misconduct,” according to DA MPL Sakhile Mngadi.
The red berets believe Joyi’s appointment should be revoked with immediate effect.
“This is a clear indication of the continuous failure of the government of national unity to apply consequence management and corrective measures. Corrupt officials continue to run our provincial departments to the gutters,” the party lamented.
