Signs of a changing of the guard?

[Dave A]

Not the sort of news we're used to seeing.

Two senior Mpumalanga education officials have been fired after the department lost more than R1-million in the past financial year, it said on Tuesday.

Spokesperson Jasper Zwane said in a statement that Jerry Tshoba, who was the chief director of corporate services and Michael Mogorosi, the former deputy director general designated chief
financial officer were dismissed following a disciplinary hearing earlier this month.

Zwane said the dismissals followed an investigation into allegations of financial misconduct in the department during the 2006/2007 financial year.
full story from M&G here

Is government taking a tougher stance on incompetence, meddling and corruption?

[wynn]

Nope, just an excuse to replace them with their own pals.

[garthu]

Nope, just an excuse to replace them with their own pals.

Now to completely honest, that was exactly my thought...

[Debbiedle]

We live in hope?

[garthu]

We live in hope??

For sure! My first impression was great, then started to ponder on it and thats when got negative

Flip sides are the new government needs to make a good impression and changes in such areas, they really do and this could be part of

Then the bit creeps in as to how much the elect detests the press/legal system... and then i begin to wonder.

I really think the true colours as to actual intention will only be seen in some months - cross fingers

[Dave A]

But they were fired! Have you ever heard of such a thing?

Not redeployed, not paid off to plunder elsewhere - D-I-S-M-I-S-S-E-D.

And on the grounds of irregular procurement that only cost an extra R1 million or so.

It seems so.... foreign.

[garthu]

You right actually, never saw it that way... maybe a times are changing..

[Dave A]

Good grief! I saw a taxi stop at a red traffic light this morning!

Yes, I know it happens from time to time, normally only 5 seconds or more after it's changed to red. But this one - honestly - if he had put his foot flat he could have crossed the line on amber. I wanted to give him a medal!

On a slightly more significant note, interesting changes to the cabinet. One thing is clear, JZ & co. have put some thought into this. The shuffling and restructuring of portfolios are far from arbitrary.

Here is an article on who didn't make the cut.

Looking around the media, Trevor Manuel's move to planning is making headlines, but has no-one noticed the Trade and Industry portfolio? It's gone to Rob Davies of the SACP. A communist in charge of trade and industry! That should be interesting.

I also wonder what the legal eagles are going to read into Jeff Radebe's appointment as Minister of Justice.

[Dave A]

More dismissals ahead. So maybe JZ & co. mean business.

The soldiers who embarked on illegal and violent protest at the Union Buildings will be dismissed following legal processes, Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Lindiwe Sisulu said on Thursday.

"We have decided following legal processes available to the defence force and within the defence force to proceed with the ultimate sanction that will allow the soldiers to separate, which means they will be dismissed," she said as she left a briefing in Pretoria.

Acting chief of the South African National Defence Force, General Themba Matanzima, said between 1 500 and 2 000 soldiers took part in the illegal march on Wednesday.

However, he assured the public that the army was a disciplined organisation.
full story from M&G here

But striking soldiers is not a good sign of the state of discipline in the military, whatever the General may claim.

[I Robot]

Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans on soldiers' protest action

27 August 2009

Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans regrets the protest action taken by unionised members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) yesterday.

The committee is aware of the grievances and frustrations of military unions as expressed in correspondence received and urges that grievances be voiced in a responsible manner that does not compromise national security or military discipline and professionalism.

The committee reiterates Parliament's commitment to the creation of an effective people's Parliament, responsive to the needs of all South Africans and driven by the ideal of a better life for all. We would like to assure all members of the SANDF that the effective resolution of all matters that can impact on the morale and wellbeing of soldiers remains a priority.

Finally we appeal that any action taken, should be taken responsibly and should not tarnish the SANDF's image.

More...