Departmental head appears before disciplinary panel

Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure Department Head (HOD) Timothy Seroka reportedly appeared before a disciplinary panel on Tuesday in relation to alleged irregular travel claims submitted for June last year.
The action against Seroka follows six months after the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) in Limpopo called on Premier Stan Mathabatha to fast-track the disciplinary process. Initially it was reported that Seroka made an irregular travel claim of R11 405,88 for trips undertaken during June for 1 790 km apparently travelled in his Mercedes-Benz ML350 while his vehicle was reportedly in for repairs during the specific period under claim.
By the time of going to print, Nehawu Provincial Secretary Jacob Adams was unaware of the outcomes of the disciplinary hearing. He, however, stressed that Seroka was anticipated to appear before the panel on Tuesday. He stated that the union was still awaiting the outcomes on the meeting that will clearly indicate Seroka’s plea to the charged to the charges against him.
Earlier Adams stressed that it was crucial for Mathabatha to fast-track the process because was long overdue. He said the matter had been dragging on for many months now. It was further alleged that a middle management member in the Department of Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure was appointed to chair the disciplinary panel which the union strongly opposed. Adams was, however, expressing satisfaction with the decision taken to appoint a lawyer in the Office of the Premier, which he considered to be seasoned, to prosecute in the process.
Last week Mathabatha’s spokesperson Kenny Mathivha said an inquiry has been made and charges laid against Seroka. The nature and charges could only be known once the disciplinary inquiry panel has concluded the processes, Mathivha explained. When asked for the latest developments on Tuesday, Mathivha said: “It is a process and it is still going on. The outcomes will be pronounced once the chairperson makes his determination.”

Story: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za