Premier allegedly locks out spokesperson

After being on precautionary suspension for at least 14 months provincial government Chief Director for Communications, Phuti Seloba will reportedly continue to enjoy his salary after he was allegedly asked to leave the Office of the Premier premises after he reported for duty on Monday.
Initially it was learnt that Seloba was placed on precautionary suspension after allegations that he had leaked confidential information to a leader of a political party in Limpopo. A letter made available to Polokwane Observer by the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) Provincial Secretary Jacob Adams that was reportedly given to the protection and security services personnel at the Office of the Premier on Monday reads: “Kindly be informed that Mr Phuthi Seloba is still on precautionary suspension until further notice. His access to the Office of the Premier is subject to all Access Control measures and Risk Management or Labour relations must be informed if he requires any access to the premises of the Office of the Premier [sic].”
Nehawu accused Premier Stan Mathabatha of unfairness as Adams mentioned that the decision to lockout Seloba from his office prevents him to perform his duties. Adams emphasised that the injustice takes place while there is a legal order to uplift his suspension.
“We note that Seloba since been put on suspension with full remuneration and other related benefits, payment of which was made without him performing any work. We are also aware that despite us warning the Mathabatha on several occasions of this fruitless and irregular expenditure, he has furthermore ignored written directive by the Public Service Commission to reinstate Seloba to his post with immediate effect,” Adams explained.
He further stressed that the decision to lock out Seloba was unlawful and public abuse of state power and its continuation may lead to the union approaching competent authorities in seeking a remedy on Mathabatha’s violation of his oath of office and abuse of power.
Adams added that they will not hesitate to mobilise progressive forces and other organs of civil society to put pressure on Mathabatha to accede to the union’s demands.
Mathabatha’s spokesperson Kenny Mathivha informed Polokwane Observer that the precautionary suspension case was delayed by Seloba when he constantly requested for postponement. The Chairperson of the disciplinary panel and witnesses have availed themselves on all his hearings, Mathivha said. When asked as to how much did Mamogo Ntuli cost taxpayers during her period as the provincial government spokesperson, Mathivha said Ntuli is a Director of Communication and therefore costed nothing while Seloba’s salary stood at R1 250 000 since his suspension.
Mathivha concluded by saying “The merits of his grant to be reinstatement are being argued in the bargaining chamber. The office has requested for a review. The rights of the state and those of Seloba are reserved. The verdict on the main case of his initial suspension is still pending.”

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