Ilembe Enterprise spokesperson Thobile Nxumalo
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The Office of the Premier in KwaZulu-Natal has initiated a forensic investigation into allegations of improper hiring practices and irregular appointments within Enterprise iLembe, the economic development agency linked to the iLembe District Municipality.
The move follows a series of controversies involving the agency, particularly regarding the recruitment process for managerial positions.
Previously, the Daily News reported that Sandile Dlamuka was passed over for the position of investment officer despite scoring the highest marks during interviews for the post.
Dlamuka subsequently received a letter of appointment for the position that was never implemented, raising questions about the integrity of the agency’s hiring processes.
A letter penned by the then acting Director-General, Sibusiso Ngubane, detailed the mandate of the Forensic Investigation Services (FIS) Chief Directorate to probe the allegations.
The Office of the Premier is mandated by the Constitution of the country to institute such investigations.
The forensic investigation will specifically scrutinise several aspects, including the alleged irregularities in the creation and filling of six managerial positions; irregularities surrounding the appointment of the Investment Officer; concerns regarding the removal of the former personal assistant and the subsequent appointment of a new executive personal assistant; allegations of the exploitation of five employees on fixed-term contracts; concerns regarding the appointment of the company secretary; and irregularities in the appointment of service providers.
The investigation was triggered by an email from a whistleblower.
In a recent statement to the media, agency spokesperson Thobile Nxumalo confirmed the agency’s full cooperation with the investigation and said all documentation requested by the Office of the Premier had been duly submitted.
“It would be improper at this stage for the agency to divulge discussions that are still ongoing with the OTP,” Nxumalo said, while affirming that the agency remained committed to transparency.
“At an appropriate time, we will take the necessary steps to inform our stakeholders.”
While acknowledging the ongoing inquiry, Nxumalo categorically described the allegations as malicious and asserted that they stemmed from individuals intent on undermining the agency’s efforts to empower women and local candidates through employment equity initiatives.
“The agency’s employment practices are guided by the provisions of the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, particularly Section 1, which defines ‘designated groups’ as black people, women and persons with disabilities,” Nxumalo said, adding that the agency remained committed to fair and equitable recruitment processes.
DAILY NEWS