The Ins and Outs of governments top execs
SAPS, Eskom, SABC and SAA on merry-go-round
Former Eskom chief executive Brian Molefe vacated his office “in the interest of good corporate governance” in December to become an ANC MP.
The power utility’s head of generation, Matshela Koko, stepped into Molefe’s role in an acting capacity. However, in May, Koko had to make way for Molefe, who returned under controversial circumstances. He was later ousted following a public outcry. Koko has been suspended and faces a disciplinary hearing after he was charged with corruption and nepotism.
Johnny Dladla is now serving as the acting chief executive while Molefe is challenging his dismissal in the Labour Court. The controversial Ben Ngubane stepped down as the chairman of Eskom last month, two weeks before an annual general meeting in which Public Enterprises Minister Lynne Brown was expected to axe him. Ngubane, who was implicated in former public protector Thuli Madonsela’s State of Capture report, left during calls for parliament to investigate corporate governance breakdown at Eskom and allegations of being captured by the Guptas.
The SABC fired the controversial Hlaudi Motsoeneng as its chief operating officer in June after he had held a four-hour media briefing.
In 2014, Madonsela had found Motsoeneng lied about having a matric, increased salaries of some executives and staff members irregularly, and abused his power. Zane Dangor stepped aside as Social Development directorgeneral in March following a fallout with his boss, Minister Bathabile Dlamini, over the distribution of social grants. He was appointed to the position in November.
South African Social Security Agency chief executive Thokozani Magwaza resigned last week. However, there were allegations Dlamini pushed him out of his position following publicised clashes over social grant payments.
Magwaza, who had been in the position since November, was replaced by Pearl Bhengu. She is Sassa’s regional executive manager in KwaZulu-Natal.
Former Hawks boss Lieutenant-General Berning Ntlemeza last month saw the Supreme Court of Appeal dismiss his appeal to return to work. He was appealing a high court order that set aside his appointment.
The North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria found him to be unfit or not proper to hold the leadership position due to dishonesty and lack of integrity in a case relating to former Hawks head Anwar Dramat’s rendition case.
Police Minister Fikile Mbalalula relieved Ntlemeza of his duties in April.
Hawks deputy national head Yolisa Matakata, who was Ntlemeza’s deputy, was made the head on an acting basis.
The police ministry has been struggling to find a suitable acting police commissioner since Riah Phiyega was suspended in October 2015.
A board of inquiry recommended an investigation into allegations of misconduct, her fitness to hold office and her capacity to execute official duties efficiently. Her contract expired recently.
Khomotso Phahlane acted in Phiyega’s position, but was suspended last month following allegations of corruption.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate has raised questions about the funding of Phahlane’s R8million Pretoria home and cars worth R4.3-million.
His position is now occupied by Lesetja Mothiba, also on an acting basis.
The SABC’s Frans Matlala resigned as group chief executive in July last year. He was appointed to the position in July 2015. Matlala was replaced by his chief financial officer James Aguma.
However, Aguma was suspended in May following allegations of tender irregularities and dishonesty.
Aguma handed over his resignation letter to the chairperson of his disciplinary hearing on Wednesday. Tsheliso Ralitabo has been acting as the group chief financial officer since May.
SAA has been flying without a permanent chief executive since Monwabisi Kalawe left in March 2015.
He had been on suspension following a sexual harassment allegation and was also accused of using company equipment to record colleagues in a bid to obtain evidence to bolster his case. His position was occupied by Nico Bezuidenhout until July last year.
‘‘ SAA has been flying without a permanent chief since March 2015