Francois Clark, assistant manager of supply chain management and PSA shop steward, works outside after being removed from his office at the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture.
Image: Sandi Kwon Hoo
THE ASSISTANT manager for supply chain management (SCM) at the Northern Cape Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC), Francois Clark, was suspended this week after being locked out of his office.
Clark said he was charged with gross insubordination and staging an illegal protest after he used the corridors as his workstation from April 10 to 11.
He was instructed to hand in his office keys and was reassigned a new job title as the music and dance co-ordinator.
“Someone is already acting in this position. I do not possess the experience or qualifications for this post and I intend challenging my demotion,” he said.
Clark believes that the head of department (HOD) and chief financial officer (CFO) are abusing their powers, claiming he is being targeted for being a whistle-blower.
“I was never consulted on the transfer and I am being victimised and bullied. I have been targeted ever since I highlighted incidents of fraud and corruption within the department. The recommendations contained in the 2023 Public Protector's report into the Umsobomvu youth festival were never implemented,” he said.
Traffic Events Management was allegedly paid R1 million for hosting the Umsobomvu festival, which never took place.
The former acting head of DSAC, Ruth Palm, CFO Andrian Coleridge, and the chief director of corporate services, Bonakele Jacobs, were consequently charged with contravention of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), fraud and money laundering.
Clark stated that the officials implicated in the report could influence or intimidate State witnesses as they were never suspended.
“My requests to be transferred to the logistics or finance and compliance directorates were obstructed. My work environment at SCM became intolerable as all my functions were taken away from me and I was unable to perform my duties. I do not know who I am supposed to report to and no one is able to approve my leave forms.”
Clark added that his suspension followed shortly after he informed the MEC, HOD, CFO and chief director for programmes about a ghost walk that was scheduled to be held at the Slangpark sports grounds in Sutherland on October 28, 2023.
“A service provider from Sutherland should have been given preference, while a Kimberley-based supplier was awarded a R259,000 tender for the event that never took place."
Clark claimed that this transaction was never reported to the Auditor-General and did not comply with supply chain management processes.
“I will not stop blowing the whistle on fraud and corruption,” he insisted.
PSA provincial manager Steve Ledibane believes that Clark is being harassed and subjected to “fabricated and frivolous” charges.
“Our shop steward has been working at SCM for the last 10 years. He unearthed unethical financial activities taking place in the department. The so-called ‘transfer’ was met with pushback from the receiving supervisor, as they were also not consulted. This has led to our shop steward not being accommodated anywhere,” said Ledibane.
He added that prior to his suspension, Clark was forced to share an office with an assistant director, “doing nothing”.
“We call upon the MEC to speedily attend to this matter and stop this discrimination, bullying and harassment. The union will pursue this matter through a labour dispute.”
Department of Sport, Arts and Culture spokesperson Conrad Fortune stated that the department was prohibited from discussing internal employee-related matters in public forums.
“All decisions regarding employee transfers, appointments, and disciplinary processes are conducted in line with applicable labour laws, the Public Service regulations, and internal human resource protocols. Any transfer or reassignment is subject to an established and lawful process, which includes consultation and procedural fairness, where appropriate,” said Fortune.
He highlighted that allegations of misconduct or irregular expenditure were taken seriously and were referred to the appropriate authorities or internal oversight bodies for investigation.
“The department does not comment on ongoing or concluded investigations, to ensure procedural fairness and protect the integrity of such processes.”
Fortune said the Umsobomvu festival and other projects were sub judice and under formal investigation.
“The department co-operates fully with all oversight institutions, including the Auditor-General and relevant investigative authorities. Where findings point to wrongdoing, the department acts within its mandate to ensure appropriate consequences and corrective actions.”
He rejected any suggestion of intimidation or constructive dismissal.
“All employees are entitled to raise concerns through the correct internal and protected channels. The department has approved policies in place to protect whistle-blowers and remains committed to fostering a working environment that is fair, safe, and conducive to professional service delivery.”
Fortune urged the media and the public to allow due processes to unfold and refrain from "speculative commentary" that could undermine ongoing investigations or misrepresent the actions of civil servants.