Officials in fear as premier wields axe

18 July 2014 - 02:01 By Kingdom Mabuza
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Thandi Modise. File photo
Thandi Modise. File photo
Image: Gallo Images

The ANC in North West has blamed the previous administration under former Premier Thandi Modise for extending contracts of senior officials in defiance of a directive from the party.

Senior officials who served under Modise, now chairman of the National Council of Provinces, believe they are being targeted by the new administration under Premier Supra Mahumapelo.

ANC provincial spokesman Oupa Matla denied the suspension of four heads of department was a purge of officials whose contracts were extended three months before Modise's departure.

Since Mahumapelo took over the reigns in June, four officials have been suspended. The head of communications in his office, Lesiba Kgwele, has been sacked following allegations of misconduct.

The reasons behind the suspension of the four officials - Desiree Tlhoaele (arts, culture and traditional affairs), advocate Matshidiso Mogale (social development), Pringle Raedeni (finance) and Bailey Mahlakoleng (community safety and transport) - could not be ascertained as spokesmen for the departments refused to elaborate.

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