Social Development DG Peter Netshipale suspended

In ongoing turmoil related to appointments in the Department of Social Development, the Director-General (DG), Peter Netshipale, has been suspended.

This is for alleged dishonesty for signing a five-year employment contract when Cabinet had only approved a one-year tenure.

His suspension comes just a week after Minister Sisisi Tolashe told Parliament the discrepancy was a 'clerical error'.

Netshipale is also being charged for bringing the department into disrepute following an expose of questionable appointments in the minister's private office.

Last week, Tolashe told Parliament's Portfolio Committee that a letter from Cabinet erroneously stated that it had approved a five-year term for Netshipale as the department's DG.

Netshipale is due to reach retirement age next year.

"This was just a clerical error, not an intentional act, and it's been resolved without prejudice to the Cabinet's authority."

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But Tolashe has since done an about turn, charging Netshipale with gross dishonesty for signing the wrong contract that’s since been amended.

Tolashe has also added two further charges, saying Netshipale has brought the department into disrepute over his appointment and being derelict in his duty for not properly overseeing appointments in her office that have attracted negative publicity.

This includes the appointment of an unqualified, 22-year-old chief of staff who allegedly doctored her CV with the help of the former chief of staff, Tolashe has told Parliament.

Now Netshipale is taking the fall.

Tolashe has also been scrutinised for appointing a special advisor who has allegedly been receiving a second salary from another government department.

The chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Social Development, Bridget Masango, said the minister can be expected to appear before the committee again to explain the turn of events.

Meanwhile, Netshipale has been given until Monday to respond to the charges.