This is according to the Minister of Public Service and Administration. 

In a written parliamentary reply to the EFF, Minister Ayanda Dlodlo says the appointment of Heads of Departments (HODs) is governed by the Public Service Act, which states that such appointments shall not exceed a period of five years. 

She confirms the contracts of two serving HODs - Cogta and Human Settlements - were extended by the premier on a short-term basis at the end of their initial five-year contract periods. Dlodlo says the process to fill the positions for a full five-year term is still underway. 

Her response comes amidst growing concerns over temporary contracts given to HODs with allegations that former Premier Job Mokgoro and suspended Cogta MEC Mmoloki Cwaile had a fallout over the contract of one HOD, leading to Cwaile’s suspension by Mokgoro. 

Dlodlo’s statement also comes less than a month since OFM News reported on the HOD positions in the Free State with premier Sisi Ntombela confirming that the process of assessing their performance, including that of the Health Department, is ongoing.

Ntombela’s spokesperson, Sello Pietersen, said they are aware of how critical the Health Department is as the country continues to battle the Covid-19 pandemic. He said they are confident that the acting Health HOD Godfrey Mahlatsi would bring about the necessary changes to the Health Department as he worked closely with the department in his previous position as HOD of Treasury.

With the Health Department having recently made national headlines when its former HOD, David Motau, was listed among thirteen people arrested in connection with R8,7 million tender fraud, questions are mounting over the positions of HODs and their ability to account for various departments.

OFM News