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Limpopo government spokesman Phuti Seloba has been fired for “leaking confidential information” about Prime Minister Stan Mathabatha to an opposition party, according to the sanction document.
In late 2018, EFF provincial leader Jossey Buthane posted on his social media platform that Seloba had told him that Mathabatha allegedly missed important meetings at times, in some cases where accommodation had been booked, due to consumption of alcohol.
Buthane also wrote on the social media platform that Seloba told him that former athlete, arts and culture MEC Onnica Moloi was behind a false rape allegation that Seloba once faced in early 2018.
Seloba was suspended and a disciplinary committee was formed.
He was convicted on March 27, 2020, after a marathon in which Buthane also testified.
In the sanction document issued on Friday, and which News24 has seen, the president of the PVH disciplinary committee Maoka said that Seloba and his lawyer did not present mitigating factors, despite being asked to do so on or before April 3, 2020.
Maoka agreed with evidence from Buthane and CEO Nape Nchabeleng that the information “leaked” by Seloba was calculated to undermine the authority of the prime minister.
He said Seloba, as head of communication for the provincial government, was paid for being the first line of defense.
READ | The suspension of the Limpopo government spokesman turned out to be illegal and unfair
“Taking an example, Buthane testified that even if the prime minister smells like alcohol, Seloba should have said that it is perfume and not alcohol,” said Maoka.
“He (Seloba) knew and understood the impact of what the information would be for the executive administration of the Limpopo government. He intentionally wanted to undermine the authority of the prime minister and discredit the name of the Limpopo government,” he said.
Seloba forwarded a comment to the National Union of Health, Education and Related Workers (Nehawu).
Nehawu hinted in a statement that the dismissal sanction may be challenged.
The union said Seloba was unable to present mitigating factors because her attorney could not be contacted due to the closure of Covid-19.
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