MEC ordered to repay province

It’s remedial action by public protector

Limpopo MEC for agriculture and rural development, Mapula Mokaba-Phukwana, has been ordered to pay back money she had spent irregularly to the provincial government.

Premier Stanley Mathabatha said yesterday that he implemented remedial actions of the public protector who ordered Mokaba-Phukwana to pay back R1.6-million of public money irregularly paid to a service provider under her watch two years ago.

Former public protector Thuli Madonsela instituted an investigation into the matter after complaints that MokabaPhukwana had irregularly appointed a company to conduct investigations into her former department of transport, safety, security and liaison.

Mokaba-Phukwana was redeployed to her current portfolio last year following the death of Joy Matshoge. She was ordered to pay close to R3-million together with the department’s head, Hanli du Plessis, who was ordered to pay back R1. 15million for authorising payment to MPA Investigators.

It was found that the company was appointed without following proper procedure.

The public protector’s report found that the company’s appointment was in violation of the Public Finance Management Act and Executive Members Ethics Act. They have 14 days from receipt of notices to pay the money. Mathabatha said the two were also subjected to a disciplinary action.

Kenny Mathivha, Mathabatha’s spokesman, said members of the provincial executive had already been subjected to a workshop presented by the National Treasury on the subject of good governance and ethical leadership.

The whistle-blower in the matter, EFF’s Jossie Buthane, said he had been vindicated.