×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

Tensions as 'unqualified' MEC's son gets job

Tebogo Tshipi

Tebogo Tshipi

The appointment of the son of Joyce Mashamba, Limpopo MEC for sports, arts and culture in her department has sparked off tensions.

Wisani Mashamba was appointed deputy manager for human resource development two weeks after his mother was appointed MEC in the same department.

The appointment has angered staffers who said Wisani did not have the relevant qualifications for the job with a yearly salary package of R146000.

The post needed a person with a recognised university degree, they said.

Wisani, however, only possesses a certificate in Microsoft Office 2000 program which he passed in 2001 at CTU Training Solutions and is currently busy with a BCom marketing degree with Unisa.

Mashamba was previously the MEC for provincial treasury. She was moved to the sport, arts and culture portfolio after a cabinet reshuffle in the province.

Wisani first joined the department three months ago as a provisioning administration officer with a yearly salary package of R98000. For his new position he was given an appointment letter early this week.

Adele van der Linde, Mashamba's spokesman, said the MEC did not have a hand in the appointment.

"The short-listing process was done before Mashamba joined this department. The office of the head of department and human resources have been handling the whole issue," Van der Linde said.

She said as far as Mashamba was concerned, Wisani's appointment was "genuine and fair".

"During the interview there were people from the unions as well and they never complained.

"We are firmly of the view that Wisani's appointment was done not because he is the son of an MEC, but because he met all the requirements," she said

In the advert, the department said it wanted a person with a diploma or a degree or equivalent qualifications.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.