Premier Phumulo Masualle has suspended one of his few seasoned heads of department, Nombulelo “Bea” Hackula, over allegations of mismanagement.
Last year, the Port Elizabeth-based MEC wrote a memo instructing the director of a programme not to include poor white children in a youth camp.
The Democratic Alliance took the matter up with the Human Rights Commission. The outcome of its investigation is still pending.
Contacted for comment yesterday, Hackula confirmed her suspension.
“This is all part of the vendetta social development MEC,” she said.
Xasa said: “The suspension is effective from May4 2016 until further notice.
“She is suspended due to issues raised by a forensic investigation conducted by her previous employer.
“The investigation conducted by the department of social development has made serious allegations which she has to answer, hence the suspension.”
At least five sources from three departments said Hackula’s suspension was a result of her not taking orders from Sihlwayi.
“From day one MEC Sihlwayi wanted people to dig dirt against , whether there is or not,” a senior social development officer said.
“She never made peace with Bea’s no-nonsense approach on the misuse of public funds.”
Sihlwayi’s spokesman, Mzukisi Solani, refused to comment, saying: “Speak to the premier’s office. They are handling this matter.”
Hackula was served with a letter of intention to suspend her on April 26. She was asked to respond by April 29.
In a letter to Hackula dated May 3, Masualle wrote: “Since you have failed to make presentations by the stated period as required, I have decided to suspend you with full pay and with immediate effect, pending a disciplinary hearing.”
Provincial government spokesman Sizwe Kupelo said: “The premier acted based on the report submitted to him containing serious allegations that warranted a suspension.”
Xasa has appointed the deputy director-general for development in local government, Nomphelo Roboji, as acting head of the department of social development.
Premier suspends top official
Last year, the Port Elizabeth-based MEC wrote a memo instructing the director of a programme not to include poor white children in a youth camp.
The Democratic Alliance took the matter up with the Human Rights Commission. The outcome of its investigation is still pending.
Contacted for comment yesterday, Hackula confirmed her suspension.
“This is all part of the vendetta social development MEC,” she said.
Xasa said: “The suspension is effective from May4 2016 until further notice.
“She is suspended due to issues raised by a forensic investigation conducted by her previous employer.
“The investigation conducted by the department of social development has made serious allegations which she has to answer, hence the suspension.”
At least five sources from three departments said Hackula’s suspension was a result of her not taking orders from Sihlwayi.
“From day one MEC Sihlwayi wanted people to dig dirt against , whether there is or not,” a senior social development officer said.
“She never made peace with Bea’s no-nonsense approach on the misuse of public funds.”
Sihlwayi’s spokesman, Mzukisi Solani, refused to comment, saying: “Speak to the premier’s office. They are handling this matter.”
Hackula was served with a letter of intention to suspend her on April 26. She was asked to respond by April 29.
In a letter to Hackula dated May 3, Masualle wrote: “Since you have failed to make presentations by the stated period as required, I have decided to suspend you with full pay and with immediate effect, pending a disciplinary hearing.”
Provincial government spokesman Sizwe Kupelo said: “The premier acted based on the report submitted to him containing serious allegations that warranted a suspension.”
Xasa has appointed the deputy director-general for development in local government, Nomphelo Roboji, as acting head of the department of social development.
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