The Standerton Advertiser recently received a call about the alleged suspension of two managers of the Gert Sibande College in connection with fraud and corruption charges and tried to ascertain the truth, hitting paydirt.
The landline of the head office in Beyers Naudé Street rang on Monday, 28 October for a long time and the newspaper finally paid a visit to their reception area.
Since Mr TK Ndhlovu was, according to information, in Mozambique, enquiries were directed to Mr Oscar Kubeka and Ms Promise Ngema in the opposite building.
The newspaper tried to get confirmation on the suspension and the two employees undertook to speak to the assistant director of the communications department, Ms Jabu Mhlabane, the same afternoon, promising that Ms Mhlabane will get back to us the same day.
They said the manager was in a meeting, but a press release will be issued and provided telephone numbers as well.
A telephonic enquiry was made on Wednesday, 30 October and according to Mr Kubeka, Ms Mhlabane was in meetings the whole week, but a statement will be issued.
Another attempt was made on Monday, 4 November to get comment from the college and according to the switchboard operator, Ms Mhlabane said she will return the call.
The Standerton Advertiser paid a visit to their head office on Wednesday, 5 November and Mr Jannie Pretorius, deputy principal of corporate services, and Ms Mhlabane confirmed that the Department of Higher Education and Training has instigated a disciplinary process.
The names of the individuals were not furnished, expect stating that one is a senior manager and the other an executive manager.
The relevant charges were also not given. According to Mr Pretorius, internal arrangements were made to cover all the functions.
The college’s reception area has a big placard, inviting everybody to call a number in cases of fraud and corruption.
