Process started with suspension in April

This was while she was the head of administration at the department.

Hackula is also accused of extending a tender to the same company in violation of procurement processes.

She is further accused of not taking action following allegations of maladministration in three social upliftment projects.

Hackula said she would challenge the dismissal, describing the process as flawed and a “witchhunt”.

The Daily Dispatch has seen the letter of dismissal Masualle sent to Hackula on Monday titled “Outcome of disciplinary hearing”.

In it he states that the chairman of the disciplinary hearing had found her guilty and had issued a sanction of dismissal.

“In line with the above, the department of Cogta is required to process the termination of service with effect from the date of the sanction.”

Hackula confirmed receiving the letter dated December 15 and said she planned to challenge her dismissal.

“Of concern is that it is not explicit as to why I am dismissed.”

She said during the internal disciplinary hearing, separate charges were introduced and she had been accused of re-appointing a senior manager whose dismissal was ruled unfair by a task team led by Advocate Pretorius Msiwa.

“I am now accused of misconduct for finding a solution when the employee demanded that we clear his name after the report said he was dismissed unfairly.

“As an accounting officer I had to prevent litigation and a solution was found at no cost to the department. What is wrong with that?” she asked.

Another charge she was found guilty of was submitting a late notification of deviation to Treasury. But Hackula said someone else was acting HoD when the application was submitted.

“I do not know why I am to blame for this late submission.”

The charges against her were instituted a few months after Masualle swapped her and Stanley Khanyile, the then Cogta SG.

Hackula and Khanyile were experiencing problems with their political heads – MECs Nancy Sihlwayi and Fikile Xasa respectively.

She accused the premier of poor leadership.

“I am the longest serving HoD in this province and I have proven myself over and over on my capabilities.

“I am going to challenge this. I did bring this matter to attention of public service commission. I will go back to PSC because I believe it’s a structure that has a role of oversight, and thereafter bring it to the attention of the legislature formally.”

She said her integrity had been affected and she would hold those involved accountable.

Sikutshwa said the OTP was not in a position to discuss the details of the hearing with anyone but Hackula.

“Ms Hackula was represented and presented her case in front of an independent arbitrator. The outcome of her dismissal is as a result of that process.

“But with due respect, we cannot disclose the charges she was found guilty of.”