Health MEC’s no to redeployed finance official
NDODA Biyela, the former Gauteng health department chief financial officer who has now landed a top job in KwaZulu-Natal, has vowed to fight to keep his new post.
Biyela left the Gauteng department under a cloud in August following the controversial awarding of an R18-million linen contract without it going to tender.
He surfaced this week as the new chief finance officer of the KwaZulu-Natal health department — news that was met with outrage by both opposition parties and the provincial legislature’s health portfolio committee.
Biyela’s appointment has left MEC Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo red-faced. Dhlomo has asked that he not set foot in the department’s offices.
The controversial official expressed surprise when asked about the storm brewing over his KwaZulu-Natal appointment.
He said he had been legally employed and would continue to do his job.
“I started my job on February 2. Nobody has come to me or questioned me about the appointment. I have been reading it all in the media, but I have not been informed of anything,” he said.
Earlier in the week Biyela said his issues with the Gauteng department had been resolved in a settlement reached through the Public Sector Bargaining Council.
“My appointment [in KwaZulu-Natal] is lawful and in accordance with the Public Service Act and its regulations,” he said.
But a fuming Dhlomo told a media briefing on Thursday that Biyela’s appointment was “unlawful” and therefore his presence at the department’s head office would be considered trespassing.
Dhlomo declined to reveal the exact nature of the allegations against Biyela but confirmed that he was in possession of a report from the
This government imports people with dubious track records
Gauteng health department containing the allegations.
“It was very scary. While they are only allegations, it was something you can’t ignore,” he said.
Biyela left the Gauteng government following an internal disciplinary hearing.
The Inkatha Freedom Party has demanded a list of other candidates who applied. “This government imports people with dubious track records and appoints them in senior positions,” said IFP spokesman Ncamisile Nkwanyana.