Mpumalanga bribery: Appointment of Sithole is smack in the face of Mpumalanga's people

Premier David Mabuza is showing blatant disregard for the people of Mpumalanga by appointing his ex-"spin doctor" Mabutho Sithole as the Premier Office's new Director of Community Outreach Services.

Mabutho Sithole was removed as the Premier's spokesperson in December 2010, after he allegedly tried to bribe a City Press journalist, not to publish an article negatively portraying Mabuza.

It goes beyond comprehension that Sithole's employment conditions have furthermore been changed from a temporary employee to permanent employee. It is further alleged that due process was not followed in the appointment of Sithole in that the post was not advertised, nor were any interviews conducted. If true, this would constitute a contravention of the Public Service Act.

This appointment is a smack in the face of Mpumalanga's people. The DA will submit questions to the Premier about Sithole's appointment and the appointment process followed; furthermore the DA will be writing to the Public Protector and the Public Service Commission, requesting an investigation into Sithole's appointment.

Statement issued by Anthony Benadie, DA Leader in Mpumalanga, February 3 2011

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