Motlanthe at Madiba foundation
Former president Kgalema Motlanthe will take over the running of the Nelson Mandela Foundation (NMF) following allegations of corruption against top managers, the organisation said in a statement.
The allegations include abuse of power, the misuse of company-issued credit cards and improper procurement.
The allegations against chief executive Sello Hatang and COO Limpho Monyamane included victimisation and nepotism.
According to online Sunday Times Daily, NMF chairperson Professor Njabulo Ndebele confirmed that law firm Bowman Gilfillan Inc was probing allegations against the two, saying that a complaint was being investigated and was not taken “lightly”.
The complaint, issued in mid-December, stated that the foundation paid millions to a “donor”, instead of receiving payment, and paid nearly R150 000 for the development of HR policies, which was never completed.
In addition, Hatang and Monyamane’s official credit cards were allegedly used for personal purchases, such as fast food.
Staff members also reported emotional abuse and working under “fear and intimidation on [a] daily basis”, leading to “several staff members [being] hospitalised due to traumatic incidents and toxic relations at work”.
The foundation’s board has accepted requests for leave of absence from Hatang and Monyamane, “motivated by their desire to ensure the sanctity of the board-driven investigation process”.
“This action of the board should in no way be interpreted as an indication that it has taken any view on the outcome of the investigation,” it said.
According to the statement, an interim leadership structure was being put in place with immediate effect.
This will be led by Motlanthe and two trustees – attorney and social justice activist Alice Brown and Maya Makanjee, who serves on the board of several South African corporates. They will oversee the day-to-day running of the foundation until the investigation is complete.
On Wednesday, the foundation confirmed an investigation was on, adding that interviews were being carried out with management, staff and a small number of service providers.