By Staff Writer
Public service and administration minister Faith Muthambi is using her department to hire friends and family members without job ads or interviews.
The Sunday Times reported that Muthambi has hired uncles and cousins, who have been hired as drivers, deputy directors and a “food services aide” – all allegedly without following due process.
She has hired over 27 support staff members since taking office in May.
The ministerial handbook provision allows a minister to appoint only 10 people for various functions, plus two advisers.
The Sunday Times reported that Muthambi – whose department is tasked with ensuring norms and standards for government officials and promoting ethical service to citizens – has appointed the following friends and family:
- Takalani Mudau, a close friend of Muthambi, as a “food service aide” – a post created for her that pays R131,368 a year;
- Former Daily Sun senior reporter in Polokwane Godfrey Mandiwana, as a deputy director, media liaison;
- David Mauba, who is reportedly married to Muthambi’s aunt, as a deputy director earning more than R600,000 annually;
- Elvis Matidze and Lombard Munyai, both believed to be relations, as drivers;
- Sello Maumela, also believed to be related, as a deputy director, earning more than R500,000 a year;
- Oratile Nkashe, the daughter of one of Muthambi’s longtime friends, as an admin assistant; and
- Khathutshelo Ramabulana, another old friend, as a senior administration official.
Muthambi accused the Sunday Times of being in possession of stolen property and said she had reported the “alleged theft to the law-enforcement agencies”.
