Alfred Moselakgomo

Alfred Moselakgomo

Mpumalanga education MEC Mmathulare Coleman, pictured , has dismissed two officials for forgery and mismanagement of more than R2million in state funds.

The two - Jerry Tshoba, chief director: corporate services, and Michael Mogorosi, deputy director-general - have also been charged with fraud and negligence.

Their dismissals came as a result of an investigation conducted by the integrity unit in the premier's office into allegations of financial misconduct in the department.

"Tshoba was charged with flouting the rules and regulations," said department spokesperson Jasper Zwane.

"He rejected the 16 service providers nominated by the bid evaluation committee and replaced them with his own preferred 18 service providers."

These service providers were appointed to transport pupils and teachers' support materials to schools.

"He was further charged with forgery, where it was alleged that he forged the signature of the head of department, Ray Tywakadi, and purported to be the department's accounting officer."

He adjusted the tenders in question, resulting in a loss of R1million.

Zwane said Mogorosi was charged with negligence in the mismanagement of state monies.

"The alternative he is facing was the failure to comply with rules and regulations, thereby causing the state to suffer a total loss of R1,076 445."