Gauteng Government Clarifies Reinstatement of Suspended Senior Officials

The Gauteng Provincial Government has clarified its decision to reinstate several senior officials who were previously placed on precautionary suspension, confirming that the officials have been reassigned to different roles within the provincial administration.

In a statement issued on Monday, the provincial government stressed that the move complies with public service labour regulations and is intended to ensure that service delivery is not disrupted while disciplinary processes continue.

Officials Reassigned to New Roles

Among those affected is Lesiba Arnold Malotana, the suspended Head of Department for Health, who has been temporarily deployed as a senior manager at the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA).

The suspended Head of Department for Community Safety, Nontsikelelo Sisulu, has been assigned to the Office of the Premier, where she will support service delivery priorities.

Meanwhile, Mduduzi Malope, the suspended Chief Financial Officer for Community Safety, has been deployed to the Department of Environment to assist with financial administration.

Compliance With Labour Regulations

The provincial government said the reassignment of officials is guided by the Senior Management Service (SMS) Handbook and Public Service Regulations, particularly provisions governing precautionary suspensions.

“These precautionary transfers are in line with established labour and public service guidelines, particularly the 60-day guidance established through the Senior Management Service Handbook and the Public Service Regulations,” the statement said.

Officials explained that the regulations are designed to prevent prolonged paid suspensions without resolution.

“According to the guideline, if an employee is suspended as a precaution, they must be allowed back to work after 60 days, unless formal disciplinary action has already begun against them during that period,” the government said.

Avoiding Open-Ended Paid Suspensions

The provincial administration emphasised that the decision also aims to prevent senior officials from continuing to receive salaries while not contributing to public service delivery.

“In compliance with this regulation and to avoid the untenable situation of senior managers drawing salaries without contributing to service delivery, a practice this government firmly frowns upon, we are implementing precautionary transfers,” the statement read.

Disciplinary Processes Still Ongoing

The government stressed that precautionary suspension is not a form of punishment, but rather an administrative measure to safeguard investigations.

“Transferring officials to different roles minimises the risk of interference with ongoing investigations while their disciplinary processes continue independently,” the statement said.

The Gauteng Provincial Government reiterated that all disciplinary matters involving the officials remain active and will proceed in accordance with applicable labour laws and public service regulations.