The Ministry of Communications and Digital Technologies has noted, with grave concern, the unprofessional and malicious tactics employed by certain members of the media.
These tactics are designed with the sole purpose to tarnish the reputation of the person of Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams and ultimately distract her from carrying out the department’s mandate. The Minister constantly finds herself fielding media queries formulated around malicious rumours, lies and allegations.
As a principle, the Ministry has taken a stand to not respond to media queries based on leaked information and rumours. We have regrettably observed of late, a trend that is becoming disturbingly common; the leaking of official correspondence between and within the department and/or its entities, to the media. The latest being around the South African Post Office (SAPO) and the Post Bank.
On the matters related SAPO, the Ministry wishes to state that the process of appointing South Africa Post Office (SAPO) board members was done according to set procedures. Contrary to what has been reported in the media, there was no termination of the contracts of any board member, but rather, their term of office had come to an end.
On the suspension of SAPO officials, it is important to state that this is an operational matter, which to the Minister’s knowledge and as reported by the Board, was necessary and procedural. The investigation report in this respect is expected by end of March 2020. In the specific instance of the Acting CEO, this matter is now subject to legal processes and is therefore sub-judice.
In respect of Post Bank, four officials were suspended in line with internal procedures. The Minister has been informed that the former Acting CFO opted to resign and not attend the disciplinary hearing which, at her request, was rescheduled. The disciplinary procedures for the other three officials are still in progress and are expected to sit in March and as such, must be afforded the opportunity to run their course.
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ISSUED BY THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES
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