The office of Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba is butting heads with the National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu) over the appointment of a senior staff member.
Nehawu is accusing Ramathuba’s office of unfair labour practices and malfeasance.
The union has questioned why the official Mbobole Maseko was still working for the highest office in the province. This despite allegations that he misrepresented his qualifications when applying for his position.
Maseko is said to have submitted an allegedly fabricated curriculum vitae when he applied for the job. The said position is that of a senior human resources manager, in 2012. This was during the tenure of former Premier Stanley Mathabatha.
However, Ndavhe Ramakuela, spokesperson for the provincial government, clarified the matter. He said the report of the Premier’s office stated that Maseko has been acquitted of any wrongdoing.
Case withdrawn
“Maseko’s case was withdrawn and he has no case to answer. The Office of the Premier had not instituted any investigation following the arrest. Instead, the office had conducted its own investigations and found nothing wrong with his qualifications,” he said.
Maseko’s attorney Mpomane Ezekiel Kuaho said Maseko has availed himself to the investigators and answered any and all questions that were put to him.
“We hoped instructions to explore legal options and institute any necessary action against Nehawu. To that end, we would not want to jeorpadise our client’s prospect case against Nehawu by commenting publicly. We do, however, deny the allegations levelled against our client by Nehawu,” said Kuaho.
The union’s secretary at the Samson Magomane branch, Ndivhuwo Madzusa, gave differing details. He said private investigations into the saga revealed that critical information contained in the docket was deliberately omitted. It mysteriously exonerated Maseko.
Madzusa said they were appalled by the withdrawal of the case without any explanation.
“The accused claimed in his CV that he possesses a higher education qualification. This being Commissioners’ Diploma from the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration.
The CCMA has disputed that they offer such diploma. They are not an accredited institution for such qualifications.
The CCMA has through a designated official deposed an affidavit to that effect. And such statement is part of the docket. Both the Hawks and the NPA were favoured with this affidavit.
Series of falsehoods on CV
The accused is alleged to have been Sekhukhune TVET College member of council and Head of Human Resources. The institution also disputed the claim that the accused held that position. Maseko further alleged in his CV that he was the provincial secretary of SADTU during the period 1990 to 1995.
This claim was disputed by the teachers’ union. And as such, the union has through a designated official deposed a statement to that effect. Such affidavit is part of the docket which is missing.”
Nehawu also accused the NPA of bungling the case.
It added that Ramathuba should live up to her words. This refers to when she declared that she will eradicate corruption and malpractice in her administration.
When whistleblowers raised the alarm, Maseko was arrested by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation.
He made a brief court appearance in the Polokwane magistrate’s court. There he was remanded in custody, but was later granted a R25,000 bail.
Case caused a loss of more than R11-million
Maseko’s case was eventually struck off the roll. Much to the displeasure of Nehawu, which accused the NPA of mishandling the case.
The Hawks’ spokesperson, Warrant Officer Lethunya Muroa, elaborated on the case. He said Maseko’s appointment prejudiced the Office of the Premier, which suffered a loss of more than R11-million.
Nehawu said the case was bound to be ruined because of chopping and changing of prosecutors and investigators.
Spokesperson for the NPA in the province, Mashudu Malabi-Dzangi, acknowledged the matter. He said that the agency has received representations from the labour union but the case is still pending.
“The case was referred back to the investigation officer with queries for further investigations. A decision will be taken after investigations are completed. The allegations against the prosecutor are unfounded and have no substance,” said Malabi-Dzangi.
