A central figure in the Nelson Mandela funeral scandal, Sithembele Mase, has landed himself a plum job in the Eastern Cape’s highest public office.
Mase has been appointed as special advisor to premier Phumulo Masualle, just months after he was given a golden handshake by Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC).
Government spokeswoman Mandisa Titi confirmed that Mase had been appointed to the position.
In November last year, Mase received a R2-million payout after he, together with the ECDC, opted for a settlement instead.
Mase, who was at the centre of the Nelson Mandela funeral spending saga, was fired in May.
This is Masualle’s third controversial appointment since he took office.
Dr Loyiso Mbabane resigned from his job as Eastern Cape director-general after being arrested on charges of raping a relative. Mbabane has since been replaced by his deputy Mahlubandile Qwase in an acting capacity.
Last year Lungelo Madlingozi, who was fired from his previous post for sexual misconduct, was hired by the premier. Madlingozi was fired as regional head of economic affairs in August 2011 following an internal disciplinary hearing and last August lost his appeal with the General Public Service Sector Bargaining Council (GPSSBC), but vowed to challenge it.
As CEO for the ECDC, Mase was involved in the disbursement of R22-million worth of funds to service providers for Mandela’s funeral.
This after the provincial executive resolved that funds from the ECDC’s social infrastructure fund would be used to settle payments to service providers approved by provincial treasury.
When allegations of irregularities in the payment of service providers came to light, Mase was suspended. Just weeks after the suspension, he was dismissed.
Mase then challenged the dismissal at the commission for conciliation, mediation and arbitration (CCMA) on grounds that it was procedurally unfair.
The process was never concluded as both parties resolved to settle out of court.
The Mandela spending is still under investigation by the public protector.
The ANC, which had been against Mase’s dismissal from the word go, has welcomed his appointment.
ANC provincial secretary, Oscar Mabuyane also confirmed Mase’s appointment.
“We welcome the decision of the premier to appoint Mase as his special advisor. We believe that he possesses the necessary skills.”
Masualle could not be reached for comment. Mase confirmed being appointed to the new post.
Commenting on the situation at the ECDC, Mase said: “It was unnecessary in the sense that I had not done anything wrong. I acted in good faith on a directive from the authority . I acted within the ECDC Act.”
Opposition parties had different views on the appointment.
UDM’s Max Mhlathi said he supported Mase’s appointment. “He does not have a conviction against his name,” said Mhlathi.
DA provincial chairwoman Veliswa Mvenya said she was surprised that someone implicated in a major corruption scandal would be appointed as the premier’s advisor.
Ex-ECDC boss lands top job
Mase has been appointed as special advisor to premier Phumulo Masualle, just months after he was given a golden handshake by Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC).
Government spokeswoman Mandisa Titi confirmed that Mase had been appointed to the position.
In November last year, Mase received a R2-million payout after he, together with the ECDC, opted for a settlement instead.
Mase, who was at the centre of the Nelson Mandela funeral spending saga, was fired in May.
This is Masualle’s third controversial appointment since he took office.
Dr Loyiso Mbabane resigned from his job as Eastern Cape director-general after being arrested on charges of raping a relative. Mbabane has since been replaced by his deputy Mahlubandile Qwase in an acting capacity.
Last year Lungelo Madlingozi, who was fired from his previous post for sexual misconduct, was hired by the premier. Madlingozi was fired as regional head of economic affairs in August 2011 following an internal disciplinary hearing and last August lost his appeal with the General Public Service Sector Bargaining Council (GPSSBC), but vowed to challenge it.
As CEO for the ECDC, Mase was involved in the disbursement of R22-million worth of funds to service providers for Mandela’s funeral.
This after the provincial executive resolved that funds from the ECDC’s social infrastructure fund would be used to settle payments to service providers approved by provincial treasury.
When allegations of irregularities in the payment of service providers came to light, Mase was suspended. Just weeks after the suspension, he was dismissed.
Mase then challenged the dismissal at the commission for conciliation, mediation and arbitration (CCMA) on grounds that it was procedurally unfair.
The process was never concluded as both parties resolved to settle out of court.
The Mandela spending is still under investigation by the public protector.
The ANC, which had been against Mase’s dismissal from the word go, has welcomed his appointment.
ANC provincial secretary, Oscar Mabuyane also confirmed Mase’s appointment.
“We welcome the decision of the premier to appoint Mase as his special advisor. We believe that he possesses the necessary skills.”
Masualle could not be reached for comment. Mase confirmed being appointed to the new post.
Commenting on the situation at the ECDC, Mase said: “It was unnecessary in the sense that I had not done anything wrong. I acted in good faith on a directive from the authority . I acted within the ECDC Act.”
Opposition parties had different views on the appointment.
UDM’s Max Mhlathi said he supported Mase’s appointment. “He does not have a conviction against his name,” said Mhlathi.
DA provincial chairwoman Veliswa Mvenya said she was surprised that someone implicated in a major corruption scandal would be appointed as the premier’s advisor.
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