Gauteng Film Commission Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr Andile Mbeki, has been suspended on full pay with benefits since February this year, taking home a salary package of R1.155.049.00 per annum.
According to a response by the MEC for Sport, Recreation, Arts, Culture and Heritage (SRAC), Faith Mazibuko, to a DA question, the CEO was suspended on 23 February 2017 following serious allegations of unbecoming behaviour, abuse of staff and unlawfully recording discussions of closed session meetings and then forwarding these discussions to his close friends.
The complaints against the CEO are 18 months old, yet no disciplinary hearing date has been set, as there are “negotiations” currently taking place with the CEO.
It is totally unacceptable that a suspended CEO continues to receive his take home pay at a cost of over R1 million including all benefits.
SRAC MEC, Faith Mazibuko, has been sitting on her hands. No action has been taken since the CEO’s suspension and no investigation has ensued.
The DA will request MEC Mazibuko to disclose the nature of the “negotiations” with Mr Mbeki and why it has taken more than nine months for her office to schedule a disciplinary hearing.
MEC Mazibuko, together with the board members of the Gauteng Film Commission must come to a determination of Mr Mbeki’s continued role as CEO as soon as possible.
Indeed, MEC Mazibuko would do well to swiftly conclude this matter and appoint a new CEO at the Gauteng Film Commission. The provincial entity cannot remain leader-less any longer.