Gauteng MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development steps down

I, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, was appointed as MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development by Premier Nomvula Mokonyane on 8 May 2009. I formally moved into the office on May 13 where I received a briefing by the Head of Department (HOD) on the state of affairs.

This was followed by a handover with all senior staff members of the department. From that moment on I focused my attention on implementing the new mandate of the Department in accordance with the Premier's directives and decisions of the first Executive Council on the programme of action. My express intention was to ensure that we hit the ground running.

Amongst other things, the officials of the department advised me on the process of how to acquire an official vehicle.In particular, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and the director of facility management worked on this process until it was concluded.

On reflection of the events surrounding the purchase of the official vehicle (see report), I realize that I was inappropriately advised, particularly by the CFO, on this process that led to the release of the vehicle without proper insurance and installation of tracking devices.

In addition, the purchase of the vehicle and its subsequent theft raised suspicions which I think the government and the police must fully investigate. I have opened a case at the Booysens Police Station and the Case Number is 1564/5/2009.

It has also come to my attention that the CFO did not obtain authority from the HOD in this entire process. The CFO has now been suspended with immediate effect and a full investigation is underway. A criminal case has also been opened against the CFO by the Department.I have since been made aware that there are other pending disciplinary cases in which the CFO is implicated in alleged financial misconduct.

The circumstances pertaining to the purchase of this vehicle, and its subsequent theft, have caused serious embarrassment to my family, the Gauteng Provincial Government and the ANC.

I must state categorically that it was never my intention to circumvent any government procedure. Furthermore, I will never consciously seek to embarrass both the government and the ruling party.

I sincerely regret this incident and apologise to the people of Gauteng.Consequently, I hereby step down as a Member of the Executive Council in the Gauteng Provincial Government.

By stepping down I am signalling to our people that I hold them in high regard and further take political responsibility for things that have happened in the past week.

I will remain a loyal member of the ANC and a hard working member of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature where I will continue to serve the people of Gauteng in our common quest to build a better life for all.

Issued by the Gauteng provincial government June 5 2009

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