The Democratic Alliance (DA) in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) notes with concern the recent suspension of the province’s Public Works Head of Department Dr Gaster Sharpley, by Premier Sihle Zikalala.
According to a statement released by the Premier, Dr Sharpley has been removed from office pending the outcome of investigations into a number of areas related to governance and administration. This after media reports also indicated that the Department has been paying more than R2million a year to a private consultant who provides support to Dr Sharpley, despite there being more than 20 senior permanent officials to provide the same services.
The DA agrees that the allegations against Dr Sharpley are serious and that a comprehensive investigation is necessary. We call on the Premier to ensure that this takes place as a matter of urgency. KZN’s Department of Public Works provides an important service to all other provincial government departments and it is therefore important that stability is maintained.
It is also no secret that there was a break-down in the relationship between Public Works MEC, Peggy Nkonyeni, and her HOD. In this regard, the DA reminds the Premier that personal considerations should never play a role in the execution of duties and we sincerely hope that he will act with the same decisiveness as witnessed in other cases where serious allegations were made against senior staff members.
The DA has requested that the matter of the HOD’s suspension be placed on the agenda at the next KZN Public Works portfolio committee meeting scheduled for the 3 December. We remain committed to playing our oversight role in a bid to ensure that this Department is able to function optimally and fulfil its mandate which is to serve the people of our province.