The appointment of Yali Joyi as CFO of the KwaZulu-Natal department of education has sparked widespread criticism after she left the same position in the provincial government under a cloud.
Joyi previously occupied the same position at the department of cooperative governance and traditional affairs (Cogta) before she was suspended with two other officials in September 2024 on allegations of financial misconduct and embezzlement of funds that occurred in the lead up to the the elections.
She resigned in January before an investigation into her alleged involvement was completed, citing health complications because of the matter.
It has since emerged that Joyi was offered the same position by the education department on May 25, which has raised concerns among trade unions in the province.
The National Professional Teachers’ Organisation of SA (Naptosa) noted Joyi resigned from Cogta before the allegations against her were tested and said this will linger over her until she defends them.
“The department must justify the appointment. The department is the biggest education department in the country with a large and complex budget. The integrity of a CFO must be beyond reproach. Sadly this is not the case with theappointment,” said Thirona Moodley, Naptosa spokesperson.
The SA Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu) said while it subscribed to the notion of “innocent until proven guilty”, it was disappointed at her impending appointment before disapproving the serious allegations against her.
“Sadtu is interested to see the investigation report. It is the report and declaration by the education department that it has ensured the CFO is not implicated, or the investigation did not make any findings against her,” the union said.
Sadtu said it will seek a meeting with education MEC Sipho Hlomuka and head of department Nkosinathi Ngcobo to get their views on the matter and request that the Public Service Commission (PSC) investigates the appointment. It will also request that the public protector investigates the matter.
The DA has written to Hlomuka demanding he reverses the appointment within five working days or face legal and political consequences.
DA education spokesperson Sakhile Mngadi said the party would take the matter to premier Thami Ntuli, lodge a complaint with the PSC and and public protector, and explore legal remedies under the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act.
Instead of Joyi being held to account for the allegations, Mngadi believes she was “rewarded” with the position by the department, which is facing financial challenges, mismanagement and negative audit outcomes.
“The appointment represents a blatant act of cadre deployment, political shielding and betrayal of public trust.”
The lack of transparency, accountability and ethical conduct in public administration behind the move undermines the constitution, Mngadi said.
The Public Finance Management Act and Public Service Act, which disqualify individuals with unresolved allegations of financial misconduct and require merit-based and ethically sound appointments, have been also ignored, Mngadi said.
“The appointment sends a dangerous signal that misconduct is tolerated and even rewarded if one enjoys political protection. At a time when the education department is facing critical governance challenges, including weak infrastructure delivery and ongoing safety concerns in schools, installing a tainted official in a key role is not only irresponsible but damages the credibility of the entire administration.
“The DA, as part of the government of provincial unity, demands full disclosure of all documents related to Ms Joli's vetting and appointment to be tabled before the education portfolio c ommittee. If MEC Hlomuka fails to act, he will be complicit in undermining good governance and must face political and legal consequences. KwaZulu-Natal cannot afford the continued recycling of compromised officials. An ethical, capable state begins with accountability, not cadre protection.”
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