Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu has dismissed claims that the recent suspension of the provincial culture, sport and recreation head of department (HOD) Godfrey Ntombela was linked to the technical mishap he experienced during the 2025 Metro FM Music Awards.
In a strongly worded statement on Saturday, the Office of the Premier described Ntombela’s accusations as “baseless”. It said the suspension was in line with the recommendations of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), which probed COVID-19-related expenditure.
“The Office of the Premier has noted with regret the accusations against the Premier, Mr Mandla Ndlovu, by the HOD, Mr Godfrey Ntombela,” provincial government spokesperson George Mthethwa said.
Ntombela had claimed during a press briefing on Thursday that his suspension was motivated by political hostility and an attempt to punish him for the technical blunders at the Metro FM Music Awards held at Mbombela Stadium in May.
During the live broadcast, Ndlovu appeared visibly unsettled when the teleprompter malfunctioned as he announced the Song of the Year winner.
But the Premier’s office rejected this narrative, saying the real issue dates back to April — weeks before the awards show.
“The allegations further suggest that the HOD is on the receiving (sic) end of the stick, to punish him for the events surrounding the 2025 Metro FM Music Awards… and that the SIU report is used as a tool in this regard,” Mthethwa stated.
“The Office wishes to state that the allegations are baseless, in that the SIU findings, related to the COVID-19 investigation, were given to HOD Ntombela before the event, on 11 April 2025, wherein he was afforded an opportunity to respond to the findings. His response was received by 24 April 2025.”
The SIU had been investigating procurement irregularities within the department, including the controversial fumigation of libraries during the COVID-19 lockdown, among other matters.
Ntombela admitted he had issued warnings to officials involved, but maintained he was innocent of wrongdoing.
The provincial government insists that the suspension was not personal or political.
“In addition, the SIU investigation was based on the President’s proclamation, with the recommendations to implement,” said Mthethwa. “As such, the decision to suspend the HOD is in accordance with the recommendations.”
Ntombela’s suspension coincides with that of provincial education HOD Lucy Moyane, who is implicated in a R2 million laptop procurement saga.
Both were placed on precautionary suspension earlier this week.
As part of his defence, Ntombela has also disputed claims that his contract extension to February 2027 was invalid, suggesting Ndlovu sought to terminate it upon assuming office.
However, the Ndlovu’s office said the contract matter is sub judice.
“The Office wishes to state that the matter is before the court, and this will afford the HOD an opportunity to put his side of the story [on the record], in line with applicable legislation, inherent in the rights of employees,” said Mthethwa. “However, the Office has evidence that there is no such extension of his employment to 2027.”
Attempts to obtain a comment from Ntombela were unsuccessful as his phone rang unanswered.
