Investigation into Allegations against the Secretary to Parliament, Mr. Gengezi Mgidlana

The allegations investigated by the Committee included Mr. Mgidlana’s receipt of an ex gratia payment of R71 000, improper allocation of a study bursary, improper travel management and irregular procurement of services

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, November 9, 2017/APO Group/ -- 

On 25 May 2017 the Presiding Officers of Parliament, the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, requested the Audit Committee of Parliament to investigate allegations of maladministration and abuse of power against the Secretary to Parliament, Mr. Gengenzi Mgidlana.

Subsequently, Mr. Mgidlana was placed on special leave by the Presiding Officers, at his own request, while the Audit Committee investigated the allegations levelled against him.

The allegations investigated by the Committee included Mr. Mgidlana’s receipt of an ex gratia payment of R71 000, improper allocation of a study bursary, improper travel management and irregular procurement of services.

The Committee has concluded its investigation and has handed its report to the Presiding Officers for their consideration. After applying their minds to the report, the Presiding Officers have decided that the recommendations and allegations made are serious and warrant that Parliament institutes a disciplinary process against Mr. Mgidlana.  

Mr. Mgidlana has also been given seven days within which to make representations to the Presiding Officers regarding why he should not be placed on precautionary suspension, pending the finalisation of the disciplinary proceedings against him. 

Consistent with the principles of natural justice, the Secretary to Parliament remains innocent until proven otherwise by a due process – which the Presiding Officers hope will be conducted and concluded without delay.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.