Retired judge to join sex probe

Allegations by the National Education Health and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu) that senior officials had demanded sex in return for permanent posts or better jobs reverberated around the Bhisho legislature when a dossier containing details of the scandal were handed over to speaker Noxolo Kiviet in June.

Speaking at a budget and oversight committee meeting last week, Kiviet said she had asked for a judge to lead the investigation into the allegations.

She however could not give the terms of reference of the probe but promised to outline them once she had the name of the judge.

Kiviet said she was also considering a retired MPL, academics and a member from the gender commission to assist the judge with the task team.

She told the committee she had already written to the Justice Department seeking such assistance.

Legislature spokeswoman Bulelwa Ganyaza confirmed that Kiviet has asked for help in identifying a suitable retired judge.

“The matter is still in its early stage as has only written to the Judge President of the Eastern Cape to request a retired judge.

“The institution does not anticipate incurring costs. Further details in this regard will be communicated at the appropriate time,” Ganyaza said.

Ganyaza said Kiviet had also written to the provincial Gender Commission and Public Service Commission for them to nominate participants.

Speaking to the Dispatch yesterday, budget and oversight committee chairwoman Noxolo Abraham-Ntantiso said: “We as the committee are very happy that she decided to get credible people to run the commission.

“We view the allegations seriously and we need someone who will treat this entire process with delicate hands.”

This will be the second task team appointed to investigate the sex-for-job claims.

In June premier Phumulo Masualle appointed a task team led by Ngaka Mosehana, the head of the department for safety and liaison.

She was assisted by Advocate Zoleka Fanana from the office of the premier; Zolisa Loni, department of education; Dr Sjekula Mbanga, department of human settlements; and Canon Lulama Ntshingwa of the religious fraternity and chairman of the Eastern Cape Men’s Sector.

In the Nehawu document given to Kiviet and seen by the Daily Dispatch, the union alleges that:

• Some senior managers demand sexual favours from interns in exchange for jobs;
• Employment practices are manipulated to employ cronies; and
• Policies are implemented without consultation.

The task team appointed by Masualle has had minimal success as it only received one formal complaint – for nepotism. Even Nehawu has no confidence in the team.

The Dispatch also learnt that the terms of reference for the task team excluded the Bhisho legislature .

Last month four women told the Dispatch stories of how senior managers had demanded sexual favours for jobs, with their allegations reflecting that the scandal was taking place at the highest level in Bhisho.

Cogta spokesman Mamnkeli Ngam said all complaints raised by Nehawu in his department had been referred to the team formed by the office of the premier. — mphumziz@dispatch.co.za