Replies to my questions confirm that it is more of the same with the Department of Home Affairs.
Recent written replies from Minister Naledi Pandor to my questions have revealed shocking facts. However, before I get to them, I must explain that in mid-2013 I asked questions about Home Affairs officials who have jobs outside of the department that may conflict with their functions in the department.
The minister replied by indicating that the matter was being "evaluated" and I would receive her findings in due course. I received nothing. I posed the question again before the end of 2013. Again I was fobbed off.
In January, I asked the question again. By now the minister, I suspect, realised that I would not let go of this issue. Last week I received a reply. Pandor replied that no fewer than 31 Home Affairs employees have jobs outside the department. One of them is on a senior management level. To make it worse, she explained that these employees have permission to do these jobs.
Unlike Western Cape, the government and eight provinces allow officials to have jobs outside their official government duties.
Such officials have interests that benefit their back pockets that may in turn compromise the taxpayer.
Is it any wonder Home Affairs is in the shambles it is in?
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