By Simon Nare
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has welcomed the decision by the National Housing Financial Corporation (NHFC) board to place chief executive officer Azola Mayekiso on precautionary suspension while investigations into serious allegations against her proceed.
The NHFC announced on Wednesday that the suspension took effect immediately following formal complaints and ongoing investigations by public watchdogs, including Public Protector Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka.
The board emphasised that the suspension is a procedural step, not a judgment of wrongdoing, and is intended to allow investigations to proceed transparently and independently.
“The decision aligns with the Board’s fiduciary duty to address workplace transgressions with due process and transparency while considering the sensitive nature of the matters,” the NHFC said.
The corporation assured that all operations, funding programmes, and strategic partnerships would continue without disruption under the Acting CEO and Executive Management Team.
The DA said the suspension followed a complaint it lodged with the Public Protector in 2024.
DA MP Luyolo Mphithi cited allegations including a R15 million irregular lease agreement, the appointment of unqualified board members, misuse of the corporation’s credit card, and failure to disclose conflicts of interest in key deals.
Mphithi noted that the Public Protector had confirmed in June that an investigation was underway, which may have influenced the board’s decision.
He urged Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane to address the alleged reckless misuse of public resources within the corporation.
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