Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka has found that former Ekurhuleni City Manager Dr Imogen Mashazi committed improper conduct in connection with the appointment of Ndumiso Aschendorf Gcwabe as Deputy Chief of Metro Police: Security and Loss Control in 2022. Gcwabe did not meet the minimum qualification requirements for the position.
The investigation, which followed a complaint lodged by Vukile Mlungwana on behalf of the Municipal Employees and Civil Servants Union (MECSU) in August 2023, found that Gcwabe's highest post-matric qualification was a National Diploma in Policing, graded at NQF level 6. His certificate of competence in the Crime Prevention Management Programme was a six-month short course and did not constitute a registered qualification.
The investigation also found that Ekurhuleni officials did not properly verify or authenticate Gcwabe's academic qualifications in terms of the City's Talent Acquisition Policy. Although a private service provider was used to verify Gcwabe's qualifications, the process only authenticated the validity of the documents and did not confirm the NQF levels with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
Gcaleka found that the administrative deficiency amounted to an infringement of constitutional, legislative and municipal policy requirements. As a result, Gcwabe did not qualify for the position and his appointment was irregular. The finding comes against the backdrop of separate allegations involving Mashazi that have been heard by the Madlanga Commission.
Gcaleka directed Ekurhuleni's Executive Mayor to table the report before the municipal council within 90 days. The council must deliberate on the finding and approve an appropriate course of action to address Gcwabe's irregular appointment. This includes the possibility of taking the matter on judicial review in terms of the Labour Relations Act.
The Public Protector also directed the municipality to train human resources officials involved in the recruitment process on its Talent Acquisition Policy. The training must ensure that qualifications are properly verified and authenticated through SAQA before future appointments are finalised.
The municipality must also ensure that future job advertisements clearly distinguish between registered qualifications and short courses. The City Manager must submit an action plan to the Public Protector within 30 days detailing how the remedial action will be implemented.
Key points
- The Public Protector found that Imogen Mashazi committed improper conduct in appointing Ndumiso Gcwabe to a position for which he was not qualified.
- The investigation found that Ekurhuleni officials failed to properly verify Gcwabe's academic qualifications, leading to his irregular appointment.
- The municipality has been directed to take remedial action, including training human resources officials and revising job advertisements.
