The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) has suspended two officials for their role in leaking an audio recording of DHET Minister Blade Nzimande. The suspension follows an internal investigation conducted by the department.
DHET Director General Nkosinathi Sishi called on staff to act responsibly in their work and to familiarise themselves with the code of ethical conduct in government to ensure they avoid any wrongdoing.
The code of conduct for public servants demands that government employees not use or disclose any official information for personal gain or the gain of others.
Sishi said the department will continue its internal investigations while the two officials remain on suspension. They added that the matter has also been reported to the South African Police Service (SAPS).
In the leaked audio recording, Minister Nzimande can be heard questioning the lack of internal media coverage of their official engagements that they attend while engagements attended by the deputy minister receive coverage.
Nzimande demanded an explanation as to why their engagements were receiving less coverage. The minister added that it was not the first time he was conducting an engagement and the DHET social media channels focused on Deputy Minister Buti Manamela’s engagements.
In essence, what the communication team is doing is deliberately causing tension between myself and the deputy minister by doing so.
The Economic Freedom Fighters Student Command (EFFSC) described the leaked audio recording as indicative of a petty squabble in the higher education department.
His long stay in the department has yielded nothing other than self-glorification and self-gratification to the detriment of South Africa.
They called on Nzimande to step down as DHET minister to make way for vibrant, new, and innovative leadership.
