Cape Town - Three days after describing as "malicious" reports that rural development and land reform director general Thozi Gwanya had resigned, the department on Thursday confirmed that he had done so.
"Mr Gwanya's contract with the department will expire on July 31," it said in a statement.
This followed Gwanya and Rural Development and Land Reform Minister Gugile Nkwinti "agreeing to re-determine" the director general's contract.
"Minister Nkwinti, who regrettably accepted the director-general's request for the re-determination of his contract, reflected that the department will miss Mr Gwanya's vast experience and his expertise, skills and dedication as the head of the department."
The department said Gwanya had "decided to pursue a career in education, training and human development".
In a statement issued on Monday this week, department spokesperson Kabelo Marumo said rumours Gwanya had resigned "do not have any basis and, at best, are malicious".
He was responding at the time to a Business Day report that Gwanya had resigned amid allegations of maladministration.