New allegations 'disturb' CCMA

Johannesburg - The governing body of the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) on Wednesday said it was disturbed by financial mismanagement allegations made by a former employee in parliament.

"We are disturbed by media reports about allegations against the CCMA raised before parliament's portfolio committee on labour, without the CCMA being present or in a position to respond," spokesperson Lusanda Myoli said in a statement.

Mothibedi Mokoena, formerly of the CCMA audit unit, reportedly told the committee on Monday that he and two colleagues were fired after alerting labour director-general Jimmy Manyi to alleged fraud and tender irregularities in the CCMA.

Myoli said the allegations were first raised early last year.

"These allegations were subjected to the regular annual external audit by the auditor-general, as well as a 'special investigation', both of which exonerated the CCMA."

The issue was handed to the then newly-appointed Manyi, who insisted that the CCMA undergo a forensic audit on the same
matters.

"The governing body agreed to this in the interest of transparency. The report on the additional audit, which was conducted by a special team at the office of the auditor-general, has not yet been tabled in parliament and we cannot comment on it until it becomes a document of public record.

"We are confident that the report will once again reveal no indication of fraud and corruption within the CCMA."

The governing body said the "disgruntled" former employees had been found guilty of "very serious offences".

"As the governing body, we are satisfied that the CCMA followed proper processes in affording the two employees every right to a fair hearing and representation under the auspices of separate, independent senior chairpersons."

It had full confidence in the management of the CCMA.

"We are confident that once given the opportunity, it will be in a position to clarify issues before parliament and set the record straight."

- Sapa