Telecommunications and Postal Services director general Rosey Sekese has been suspended while an investigation is carried out‚ the department announced on Friday.

Earlier Minister Siyabonga Cwele gave Sekese 72 hours to motivate why she should not be placed on leave of absence while Public Service Commission (PSC) conducts its independent inquiry into the department.

Cwele has since received Sekese’s reasons why he should not suspend her‚ but he chose to place her on precautionary suspension for 60 days. She will be on full pay during this period.

On Tuesday Cwele told MPs he had approached the PSC because the department was racked by infighting and maladministration and consequently was not performing well.

The department was dysfunctional because it lacked cohesion and stability. He pointed to institutional deficiencies where each section operated on its own because there was no co-ordination and cohesion at senior management level.

During Cwele’s address to MPs‚ Democratic Alliance spokeswoman on telecommunications and postal services Marian Shinn said‚ “The department has been in a state of upheaval for some years‚ but this has been exacerbated during the past year by ongoing internal disciplinary and Special Investigating Unit inquiries.”

The SIU investigation reportedly relates to a R756-million deal with Media Corner to publicise the government’s broadcast digital migration programme.

Insiders claim Seneke was purging the department of those who opposed her‚ according to reports. Disciplinary action was taken against three deputy director generals; Gift Buthelezi and Themba Phiri were fired and Sam Vilakazi reportedly left after being told he‚ too‚ faced dismissal.

Other senior staff members have also left the department. And last week about 80% of senior staff received warning letters from Sekese for nonperformance in the first quarter of this financial year.

The PSC inquiry is expected to take two months. The minister has appointed Tinyiko Ngobeni as the acting director general.