Reports sensationalist - Dept

2009-07-15 21:03

Cape Town - The correctional services department on Wednesday moved to counter "inaccurate and sensationalist" reports about rented accommodation for senior officials.

"We have noted with concern the distortions carried by some media and commentators of the current investigations into the matter of rented accommodation announced by Correctional Services Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula," the department said in a statement.

"We view these distortions as both malicious and mischievous.

"The claims that former minister [Ngconde] Balfour 'approved... expensive rental of a golf estate house' is factually inaccurate and sensationalist."

The department said Mapisa-Nqakula stated in her briefing to the media on Tuesday that Balfour had approved the acquisition of alternative accommodation for national commissioner Xoliswa Sibeko at a cost of R60 000 a year.

Sibeko and the department's acting chief financial officer (CFO) Nandi Mareka - both on precautionary suspension - would be given an opportunity to respond to, among others, the difference between this approved amount and the actual spending of about R30 000 a month.

Parly not behind suspensions

A claim that the minister's announcement of precautionary suspensions was directed by Parliament's correctional services portfolio committee was also "incorrect and should be rejected with contempt".

"The chairperson of the portfolio committee has distanced himself from such reports and called on every commentator on this matter to allow the processes of investigation instituted by the minister to take its course."

The department said it should also be stated that the acting CFO was placed on precautionary suspension as she was held accountable for the financial management challenges emanating from renting private accommodation for the national commissioner.

"The department wishes to re-iterate that the minister regards this matter as serious and has set a target of three weeks for the conclusion of investigations conducted by the Public Service Commission (PSC)."

Not implying guilt

Further briefings on the matter would only be undertaken after the minister had applied her mind to the findings of the investigation, the department said.

Mapisa-Nqakula placed Sibeko and Mareka on immediate precautionary suspension on Monday following allegations over accommodation being rented for senior executives at "exorbitant cost" to the taxpayer.

However, Mapisa-Nqakula was adamant these precautionary suspensions did not imply guilt. "I am not judging," she said.

It was alleged that Sibeko and her Gauteng counterpart Thozama Mqobi-Balfour were renting properties in Pretoria's Woodhill golf estate at a cost of R30 000 per month.

The rentals were being used while official residences remained empty, Mapisa-Nqakula confirmed.
 

- SAPA