Statement by the Ministry of Communications on issues relating to the Department

Communications Minister General Siphiwe Nyanda has noted a newspaper report (see here) suggesting that he was about to suspend the Director-General in his Department, Ms Mamodupi Mohlala, following alleged disagreements over the issuing of tenders by the Department and other issues.

Minister Nyanda dismisses the allegations contained in the report as false, spurious and malicious. The Minister exercises political oversight over the Department and he gives it policy direction in line with his statutory and constitutional mandate. Furthermore, he respects the legal prescripts defining the scope, nature and extent of his responsibilities.

The Minister is not involved in the issuing or adjudication of tenders. Such is the responsibility of the management of the Department.

Minister Nyanda will continue with his responsibility of ensuring that the provisions of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), Public Service Act (PSA) and all relevant laws and regulations are adhered to and not flouted within the Department.

Minister Nyanda will not address administration and human resources issues of the Department through the media. This position is in deference to the staff of the Department including Ms Mohlala.

The Minister is dealing with issues that are impacting the management of the Department internally and according to the applicable laws, regulations and public service policies.

Statement issued by Tiyani Rikhotso spokesperson for the Ministry of Communications, July 15 2010

Click here to sign up to receive our free daily headline email newsletter