The South African Post Office (Sapo) has decided to suspend two of its management members, pending an investigation into alleged irregularities at the post office. This includes his acting CEO, Lindiwe Kwele.
According to a statement, a whistle-blower in November brought serious allegations of mismanagement to the attention of the Post Office Board. Those allegations involve Kwele and Mothusi Motjale, the supply chain manager of the post office, in irregularities.
These include alleged irregular appointments and payments to service providers, conflicts of interest, irregular renewal of contracts and the acquisition and asset management of laptops.
Board member dr. Charles Nwaila said in a statement that the board viewed the allegations in a serious light and therefore decided to give Kwele and Motjale the opportunity to make representations as to why they should not be suspended with full pay pending an investigation.
“The board considered these representations and decided to suspend executives at full pay to enable independent investigations without interference with these serious allegations,” Nwaila said.
According to the statement, the post office has appointed an external and independent service provider to investigate the allegations. Adv. Ivumile Nongogo, meanwhile, is acting CEO.
“We want to make it clear that the council is striving to protect the integrity of the investigation process and all stakeholders while the matter is being settled soon,” Nwaila says.
