Scopa grills public works head on disciplinary action

DEPARTMENT of roads and public works head advocate James Mlawu was grilled by the standing committee on public accounts (Scopa) yesterday on what his department had done since it received a disclaimer in the last financial year.

Mlawu lashed out during the session in the Bhisho legislature saying “those who have ears will hear”.

He had been asked questions relating to disciplinary action taken against officials implicated in irregular expenditure incurred in the past financial year amounting to more than R600-million.

His response was not taken kindly by committee member Nomvula Ponco.

Ponco said Mlawu would have to excuse her if she needed clarity and answers on matters that concerned the “delivery of services”.

But Mlawu said his comment was intended for the department’s management team seated on the same side of the table as him.

Department officials were nearly chased out of the meeting after Scopa members demanded they be provided with names of officials facing charges as proof action is being taken against those implicated.

Scopa member Mxolisi Dimaza said it was pointless to “not have details” and it would be difficult for the committee to compile a report for the house without evidence of action taken against officials.

Mlawu said 23 disciplinary action cases were being dealt with and almost half had been resolved.

Some officials received final written warnings while the remaining cases were being attended to.

Mlawu said department management had taken a decision not to have performance bonuses and several initiatives were being embarked on to alleviate irregular expenditure.

The department had incurred R14-million in irregular expenditure and much of it was out of the historical contracts which resulted in the past year’s irregular expenditure, he said.

Roads and public works MEC Thandiswa Marawu said the department would provide the report to Scopa.

“We will furnish the committee with evidence.

“The department will submit what is needed . . . so the committee can make its findings,” she said.