The Office of the Premier has noted with regret, the accusations levelled against the Premier, Mr. Mandla Ndlovu by the Head of the Department (HOD) of Culture, Sport and Recreation (DCSR), Mr. Godfrey Ntombela.
The allegations suggest that the Premier analyzed the validity of the extension of the HOD’s contract, since the 7th administration took over, as a threat to terminate it.
The Office wishes to state that the matter is before the court, and this will afford the HOD an opportunity to put his side of the story, in line with applicable legislation, inherent to the rights of employees. However, the Office has evidence that there is no such extension of his employment to 2027.
The allegations further suggest that the HOD is on the receiving end of the stick, to punish him for the events surrounding the 2025 Metro FM Music Awards, which took place at the Mbombela stadium in May this year, and that the Special Investigation (SIU) report is used as a tool in this regard. The Office wishes to state that the allegations are baseless, in that the SIU findings, related to the COVID-19 investigation, were given to HOD Ntombela before the event, on 11 April 2025, wherein he was afforded an opportunity to respond to the findings. His response was received by 24 April 2025.
In addition, the SIU investigation was based on the President’s proclamation, with the recommendations to implement. As such the decision to suspend the HOD is in accordance with the recommendations.
ENDS...
Issued by the Mpumalanga Provincial Government
Office of the Premier
Enquiries: Mr. George Mthethwa (Provincial Government Spokesperson)
Contacts: (013) 766 2242/ 083 302 2774