THERE has been numerous allegations and complaints of mismanagement and maladministration on the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme (PESP).
For this reason, the National Arts Council (NAC) has presented its independent forensic report on the PESP to Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa and his deputy, Nocawe Mafu.
Those who made the allegations included the creative industry, individuals as well as some panel members who were involved in the adjudication process.
These resulted in a commitment by Mthethwa to institute an independent forensic investigation.
According to the NAC, the investigation revealed several irregularities pertaining to the management of the PESP.
These included financial mismanagement, process irregularities and lack of adequate oversight regarding the implementation.
ALSO READ | ZODWA WABANTU FINDS ANOTHER BEN 10
The report further stated that none of the recently appointed council members were found to have engaged in any wrongdoing.
The NAC also revealed that based on recommendations made by the investigation, action would be taken as provided for in the PFMA and Labour Relations Act.
“The NAC plans, without prejudice, to institute disciplinary hearings against those negatively implicated in the forensic report.
“Such processes will be done against a timeline with firm deliverables set against each milestone. The political principals (i.e. minister and deputy) will also be provided with progress reports in this regard,” it said in a statement.
According to the NAC, both the minister and deputy had welcomed efforts made that culminated into a detailed independent forensic investigation report, and would further study the documentation for more in-depth understanding of issues raised.
