Limpopo education ministry boss axed
Limpopo's education department, along with four other departments in the province, were put under administration earlier this year. (Oupa Nkosi, M&G)
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Education was one of five provincial departments placed under administration by Cabinet last year following bad governance and financial irregularities.
Paul Colditz, executive head of the Federation of Governing Bodies of South African Schools, said Karodia’s sudden departure was probably linked to internal political conflicts.
Last month, the Star reported that Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga had resolved to remove Karodia in a bid to quell hostilities between him and senior provincial officials.
In a report presented to a joint committee of the National Council of Provinces (Ncop) in Polokwane in March, Karodia said senior managers in the provincial department were generally hostile towards him.
The report painted the Limpopo education department as the country’s worst-run.
Karodia’s report also hinted that provincial minister Dickson Masemola had interfered in the awarding of tenders.
When Masemola challenged Karodia to substantiate his allegations before the Ncop hearing, he failed to do so, but said he stood by his conclusions.
The incident reportedly heightened tensions between Karodia and the department’s management, prompting Motshekga to intervene.
Karodia confirmed on Monday that he had left the department. - Sapa
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