Andy Duffy
North West province Premier Popo Molefe wants his education MEC to explain to the public why she engaged her sister-in-laws legal services instead of using state attorneys at no cost.
An investigation Molefe ordered last year into education in the province uncovered severe management failings, with evidence that MEC Mamoekoena Gaoretelelwe was often absent from her post.
Provincial education deputy director general, Gulam-Husien Mayet, has quit. His turbulent relationship with Gaoretelelwe collapsed when she insisted he appoint her sister-in-law, Nomsa Khumalo, as instructing attorney in his departments battle to dismiss 417 foreign teachers. It is not clear what tendering procedures were followed.
Gaoretelelwe has so far refused to comment. But Molefe says he wants her to justify the appointment to him and to the public, and to explain what procedures were followed.
I would have done it differently, Molefe says. Its a matter Id like to look into and to get an explanation from her. He declined to comment on possible action.
But Molefe defended the appointment of Gaoretelelwes husband, Walter, as a deputy director in the provinces Department of Education .
The appointment of a family member is not a violation of any rule if that family member is qualified for the post. Why was there no hullabaloo when the president had his wife appointed as a deputy minister? he asked.
Mayet stepped down last month after months of fighting with Gaoretelelwe over lines of responsibility. Their battles prompted Molefe last year to call in an independent team, led by academic TW Kambule, to find out what was going wrong.
The team found a lack of leadership, and that the MEC had been absent for many of last years labour disputes. Mayet was found to be power-hungry.
Molefe says the teams recommendations were being implemented. A key finding, that arts and culture be taken out of Gaoretelelwes portfolio, was pushed through last month with the creation of a new ministry under Ray Motsepe. Mayet is now Motsepes deputy director general.