Picture: Former North West Public Works and Roads’ Head of Department, Pakiso Mothupi
By OBAKENG MAJE
Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Patricia de Lille, has fired the North West Public Works and Roads’ Head of Department (HOD), Pakiso Mothupi for gross misconduct.
North West Public Works and Roads department spokesperson, Matsube Mfoloe said Mothupi was suspended prior to his dismissal.
“Mothupi has been fired from the public service with immediate effect by de Lille. The decision to dismiss him followed the conclusion on 6 May 2021 of a disciplinary hearing initiated by the department against him.
“He was charged with gross misconduct. In a letter dated June 3, 2021, de Lille also informed Mothupi that he may declare a dispute with the relevant Bargaining Council if not satisfied with the outcome of the hearing,” he said.
Meanwhile, a few months ago, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed a proclamation R21 of 2021 authorising the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate the department. This came after some individuals within the department were implicated in a string of mismanagement, fraud and corruption allegations.
SIU spokesperson, Kaizer Kganyago said then in a statement: “The investigations aim to recover any financial losses suffered by the department. The proclamation authorizes the SIU to look into transactions that took place between 1 January 2016 and 12 March 2021, the date of proclamation.
“The SIU is also authorized to look into transactions that took place after the date of the proclamation, which is relevant to, connected with, incidental, or involve the same persons, entities, or contracts investigated.”
He further said the SIU investigation in the department will focus on the procurement of or contracting for works or services by or on behalf of the department relating to project management for the Transport Infrastructure Directorate of the department.
Kganyago added that the investigations will also cover the rehabilitation of flood damaged road infrastructure in the North West and the installation of perimeter fencing at the Eagle Waters Wildlife Resort, and payments that were made in respect thereof in a manner that was not fair, equitable, transparent, competitive or cost-effective or contrary to applicable legislation and instructions issued by the National Treasury or the relevant Provincial Treasury.
“We will also investigate any related unauthorised, irregular or fruitless and wasteful expenditure incurred by the department or the State. Any unlawful or improper conduct by the employees or officials of the department or applicable service providers, or any other person or entity in relation to the allegations will be investigated too.
“The SIU will exercise all its legislative powers to subpoena, search and seize evidence, and interrogate witnesses under oath during the investigation,” he said.
North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Oageng Molapisi said he welcomed the investigation and its scope, commencing as it were, from 1 January 2016 to 12 March 2021.
“It is my view that such an investigation by the SIU will provide a full picture of the governance state of the department, and hopefully assist with the recommendation towards corrective steps necessary to ensure that such occurrences never recur.
“It is our wish that such an investigation assist in substantiating and/or refuting other findings already in our possession, such as the Preliminary Investigation Report by the National Treasury,” said Molapisi.
The Guardian 