MEDIA STATEMENT ON THE MATTER REGARDING THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF THE DEPARTMENT OF BASIC EDUCATION: MR P B SOOBRAYAN
The Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga received a letter from the Public Service Commission ("PSC") dated 6 May 2013 concerning the Director-General of the Department of Basic Education.
In the letter two issues, pertinent for purposes of this letter, were raised, namely:
1. That the Director-General signed a Collective Agreement on behalf of the Department of Basic Education without a proper mandate and in violation of the provisions of the Public Finance Management Act, 1 of 1999 ("the PFMA"); and
2. The possible misuse of Education Labour Relations Council ("ELRC") funds during April 2012.
Upon receipt of the letter the Minister sought, through the offices of the State Attorney, Pretoria, the advice of senior counsel in the matter. Chapter 7 of the Public Service Handbook found application for purposes of any disciplinary hearing of the Director-General.