Social Development Department still probing adviser's alleged 'double-dipping'

THE Department of Social Development (DSD) has yet to conclude its investigation into allegations that Minister Sisishi Tolashe’s advisor, Ngaoko Kgatlaadviser, has been drawing two salaries from two government departments. 

Kgatla faces charges of gross misconduct, having allegedly been in contravention of Section 30(1) of the Public Service Act by working or offering services to two departments.

Kgatla, who has been appointed as adviser for less than a year, was reportedly charged with three counts of gross misconduct; however, the department has refuted claims about its inaction against Kgatla following a recent media report. 

Kgatla’s alleged double-dipping is currently being investigated, the Department of Social Development confirmed.

In a statement, the department’s spokesperson Bathembu Futshane said they rejected the report by a weekend publication on Sunday, and denied that Kgatla was shielded from disciplinary action.

“We wish to put it on record that the department received the referral of the matter from the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities to the special adviser to the Minister of Social Development. The department, after receiving the document, referred it back to the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, and put charges as it is according to law.

“Reports in the media that the official was 'shielded' by the minister and that the department did not act on the matter are inaccurate and we reject them. Charges were put to the official, who requested time to exercise his right of reply, which was granted.

“The official submitted a detailed response to the charges, and the department has initiated the processes required to bring this matter to a finality,” said Futshane. 

Further enquiries to the DSD were not answered by deadline. Attempts to get a comment from Kgatla were also unsuccessful.

Cape Times