The IFP has repeatedly voiced its concern about the provincial government's culture of secrecy and non-transparency that has enveloped a number of recent high profile departures from the civil service.  

This includes the provincial government's reluctance to publish audit reports which leaves some officials suspended without themselves and the public knowing the exact reasons for the suspension and the ensuing disciplinary action.  

The IFP is equally concerned about the Premier's frenetic attempts to negotiate smooth exit strategies privately with some suspended officials, as was the case most recently with former Head of Department at Health, Dr Busi Nyembezi, or last year with former Head of Department at Agriculture, Dr Jabulani Mjwara. Others include Mr EPM Radebe (former HOD: Department of Works), Mr Thabani Zulu (former HOD: Department of Social Development), and Mr Sipho Nyembezi (former CEO: Ithala). 

These efforts seem focused on motivating some suspended officials to withhold crucial information from the public eye. The generosity of exit packages on offer also suggests that the Premier may have been attempting to buy some officials' silence. 

The IFP fears that the methods of parting with incriminated officials employed by the provincial government have resulted in a climate of non-transparency and secrecy which stand in the way of effective public scrutiny. This certainly does not make the work of the Official Opposition any easier. 

The issues of concern in all the cases listed above are generally unclear circumstances of departure, routinely withheld (internal or forensic audit) reports behind the suspensions and often too generous exit packages including belated performance bonuses. 

The IFP is concerned about some considerable amounts of state funds exchanging hands through the Premier's in-house negotiations with some suspended officials. Most worryingly, this is happening against the backdrop of a lack of service delivery in most departments concerned.

Dr Lionel Mtshali

Leader of the Official Opposition 

Contact: Dr Lionel Mtshali, 083 256 4902