Johannesburg – Eastern Cape Education MEC Mandla Makupula has placed the head of department Mthunywa Ngonzo on precautionary suspension, the department said on Wednesday.

“The head of department is suspended pending investigation of allegations of mismanagement of the school furniture tender,” spokesperson Loyiso Pulumani said.

Investigations into the matter had to be finalised within 60 days.

“These are normal administrative processes of the department; as such we appeal to the public to allow space for all due processes to be finalised,” Pulumani said.

Deputy director general for institutional operations management Ray Tywakadi had been appointed to act in the position.

“This was not an easy decision to reach, nor was it taken lightly,” Pulumani said.

SAPA