JOHANNESBURG - Mohlala-Mulaudzi's attorneys were notified of the decision on August 17, and her contract would expire on September 3, the department said in a statement.

"The minister reiterated his preference for an open, competitive process, and declined to accede to Mohlala-Mulaudzi's request for an automatic renewal of her contract," it said.

Mohlala-Mulaudzi joined the department's consumer commission in 2010 as part of a settlement brokered by the department of public service and administration.

The deal followed a breakdown in the relationship between Mohlala-Mulaudzi and former communications minister Siphiwe Nyanda.

Mohlala-Mulaudzi was fired from her position as director general in Nyanda's department.

She unsuccessfully approached the Johannesburg Labour Court last week to win a renewal of her contract.

DTI spokesman Sidwell Medupe said: "The position will be advertised and there will be people who will compete for that position."