The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) has suspended two officials for leaking an audio recording of Minister Dr. Blade Nzimande in a meeting with his department’s communication unit.
In this recording, Nzimande is heard saying, “I am never covered live by the DHET yet I am the Chief-spokesperson for both the Department of Higher Education, Science and Technology, and the Department Higher Education and Training. Now, I want an explanation as to why that is.”
The Minister has pointed out that the communication unit is in actual fact, deliberately creating a tension between him and Deputy Minister Buti Manamela.
In a statement, the DHET said:
Given the seriousness of this matter, the department has immediately conducted an internal investigation which has led to the suspension of two officials based at the head office in Pretoria.
The department’s Acting chief-director for corporate communication, Lucky Masuku said he cannot provide more information because investigations are continuing and the matter has also been reported to the South African Police Service.
Higher Education Director-General, Dr. Nkosinathi Sishi has cautioned officials against wrongdoing, to act responsibly in their line of work and to familiarise themselves with the code of ethical conduct in government.
However, the Economic Freedom Fighters Students’ Command has released a statement which has condemned Nzimande.
The Student Command also mentioned that the Minister's stay in the department has yielded nothing other than his self-glorification and self-gratification to the detriment of the students of South Africa.
The Role That The DHET Played Prior To The Suspension:
The department has also highlighted that the code of conduct for public servants demands that government employees to not use or disclose any official information for personal gain or the gain of others.
It is for this reason that the department has responded by initiating an internal investigation against the communication unit’s employees that have now been suspended.
