16 October 2007

The IFP is shocked by KwaZulu Natal Premier Sibusiso Ndebele’s ingenious way of downplaying, even denying the ongoing purge of civil servants in the province triggered by his administration after 2004. 

“Civil servants who are guilty of an association with the political opposition have been relentlessly targeted by the ANC-led government since 2004. The purge of government employees is now a fact of life in KwaZulu Natal,” said Dr Lionel Mtshali who leads the Official Opposition in KwaZulu Natal. “Not only is the Premier guilty of initiating and pursuing this purge, he is also culpable of denying it.” 

In order to refresh the Premier’s memory, the IFP has compiled an incomplete list of civil servants who have been demonstrably sacked for political reasons since 2004. 

The list includes eight Heads of Department:
- Advocate Richard K Sizani – Premier’s Department;
- Professor CRM Dlamini – Education;
- Dr EB Gumbi – Royal Household;
- Professor R Green Thompson – Health;
- Mr Mel Clark – Economic Development;
- Advocate MJ Mathenjwa – Community Safety and Liaison;
- Mr EPM Hadebe – Public Works);
- Mr Bonga Ntanzi – Arts, Culture and Tourism; 

and a host of senior government officials from the following departments including: 

Premier’s Department:
- CFO Mr Arie Badenhorst;
- Chief of Staff Mr TM Cebekhulu;
- Chief: Provincial Communication Mrs PPP Nxumalo; 

Education:
– CFO Mr Jeremy Perks;
- Regional Chief Director Mr Dolkin;
- Dr SG Nyawuza;
- Manqoba Gumede;
- Mr SE Dladla;
- Mr QS Zondo 

Health:
– Dr Sibongile Zungu;
- Dr O Baloyi 

The IFP has raised the issue of public servants’ purges repeatedly, most recently in the party leader’s address to the 32nd Annual General Conference. 

In his speech, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi offered the example of his own daughter Sibuyiselwe who was forced out of her positions in two different provincial departments (Community Safety and Liaison, and Arts, Culture and Tourism). The Prince brought the matter to the attention of the KwaZulu Natal Premier as well as ANC Deputy President Jacob Zuma. 

Contact: Dr Lionel Mtshali, 083 256 4902