Department acts off ex-employee’s claims

An investigation of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research by the department of science and technology has been prompted by information supplied by a former employee who is alleging maladministration and corruption.

A lawyer acting for the CSIR drafted a reply to allegations raised by consultants, Open Water Advanced Technical Solutions, contracted by the department.

In the response, the CSIR noted that, although more details were promised by the consultants, they never arrived. This is part of the CSIR’s response to some of the claims:

#1 Alleged termination of an investigation of the removal of equipment from the National Laser Centre: The CSIR said it had no record of terminating such an investigation. Rather, an investigation was undertaken and a report issued in May last year by the CSIR’s internal audit services and the recommendations have been implemented.

#2 Alleged nepotism in appointing a family friend of the chief financial officer: The CSIR said the CFO had, as part of an interview panel, made three appointments in the past two years, all of which were “confirmed not a family friend”. Regarding the appointment of one employee, the CFO declared in writing that their careers had briefly overlapped. The panel was unanimous in the appointment of this candidate.

#3 The process used in drafting the CSIR’s employment equity report: It explained its eight-step process in ensuring the report met the requirements as stipulated by the department of labour.

#4 Alleged backdated contracting of white male retirees from April 1 2015: The CSIR said more specific information was requested but not provided. But it noted that its conditions of service allowed for the appointment of staff beyond retirement age and are intended to allow the organisation to procure the services of experienced scientists who can pass on their knowledge to younger scientists.—