Public Protector finds improper conduct by former CoE city manager over Gcwabe, Nciza appointments

By Akani Nkuna

The Public Protector Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka has found former City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) City Manager, Imogen Mashazi was engaged in improper conduct in connection with the appointments of Ndumiso Gcwabe and Prince Nciza to positions within the municipality.

“As a result, we find that Mr Gcwabe did not qualify for the position of Deputy Chief of Metro Police. In the circumstances, we further find that the conduct of the former City Manager, Dr Imogen Mashazi as Accounting Officer of CoE at the time of appointment of Mr Gcwabe constitutes improper conduct, as well as,” she said.

Gcaleka released the findings during a press briefing in Pretoria on Thursday, including reports to ther cases the PP office was investigating including that of Moloto Corridor Concerned Residents versus Department of Transport.

This comes after Municipal Employees and Civil Servants Union (MECSU) lodged a complaint with the PP on 23 August 2023 alleging that Mashazi had essentially effected high ranking appointments without interrogating appointees qualifications.

Nciza was appointed as the Divisional Head: Employee Relations on a 5 year fixed term contract with a remuneration package of between R1.6 to R1.9 million per year.

The core requirement for the position was a Bachelor’s Degree in Law with a specialisation in Labour Relations or an equivalent NQF7. Nciz claimed in his CV that he possessed a B-lubris degree and an Advanced Labour Law qualification yet failed to provide certified copies.

Through further investigation by the PP’s office, it was found that Nciza only possessed matric certificate and an Information Technology Management certificate, both of which were not a requirement for the position.

Meanwhile, in 2020 Gcwabe was also appointment as Deputy Chief of Police. A position that required a Bachelor’s Degree or an NQF7 qualification, Metro Police qualification from a Road Traffic Management Corporation accreditation institution.

Gcaleka revealed that Gcwabe did not meet the minimum requirements and possessed a 6 months diploma in Traffic or Metro Police which is not equivalent go any NQF level. She further said that Gcwabe did not possess an NQF7 as stated in the job advertisement.

“Available evidence before us shows that the functionaries of the CoE did not verify or authenticate the academic qualification of Mr Gcwabe in terms of SAQA levels as required in Clause 8.3 of the CoE’s Talent Acquisition Policy,” Gcaleka said.

“Further evidence indicates that even though the functionaries of the CoE did verify and authenticate, prior to appointment, the qualifications of Mr Gcwabe using a private service provider. However, this verification was not adequate as it only authenticates the validity of documents without confirming with SAQA the NQF levels of the qualifications as contemplated in Clause 8.3 of the CoE’s Talent Acquisition Policy.”

Gcaleka has recommended to CoE Executive Mayor, Doctor Xhakaza to table the report before the Municipal Council for deliberation and approval for the appropriate and effective course of action to address these “irregular appointments” within 90 days of receipt.

She further recommended that HRM officials involved in the recruitment process to be trained on its Talent Acquisition Policy to ensure that qualifications of successful candidates are verified and authenticated prior to appointment.

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