Kgabo Mahoai: Government defends hiring ex-Dirco DG linked to dodgy R100m deal

The Limpopo provincial government has defended the appointment of former Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) Director-General Kgabo Mahoai. 

Mahoai was appointed as Limpopo Treasury MEC by newly-elected Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba this week. 

EX-DIRCO EMPLOYEE KGABO MAHOAI CONTROLLING THE PURSE IN LIMPOPO

Limpopo provincial spokesperson Ndavhe Ramakuela told The South African that they had noted the labour relations matter between Mahoai and his erstwhile employer Dirco. 

He said the province had further noted that the process continues, where Mohoai challenges the validity of his dismissal through arbitration and, subsequently, the Labour court. 

“The premier is convinced that since Mahoai has not been charged for corruption or criminally charged on the matter, nothing in law prevents his appointment to the executive council. 

“She believes he possesses skills and expertise that would propel the province to a better position,” the spokesperson explained.

RAMATHUBA APPOINTS VBS-LINKED MEC

Ramathuba also appointed Florence Radzilani who has been linked to the VBS heist as MEC for Social Development.

Termed by advocate Terry Motau as the “greatest bank heist”, South Africa’s first black-owned bank imploded in 2018.

Months after the reserve bank placed VBS under curatorship, Motau published his report detailing the grave degree of looting that was going on behind the bank depositors’ backs.

According to the report, an estimated sum of R2 billion was allegedly looted by those linked with VBS, R300 000 of which was allegedly awarded to Radzilani.

In her defence, the former Vhembe mayor said the R30 million investment was not authorised by her, neither was she ever in receipt of R300 000 from VBS.

“I still maintain that I had nothing to do with VBS. The matter in Terry Motau’s report where I’m implicated, it is a WhatsApp conversation between two people and my phone was never requested to check if indeed I had a conversation with the two people mentioned in the report.

“Even the investigators never afforded me the opportunity to be heard,” she explained.

OPPOSITION IS APPREHENSIVE ABOUT THE NEW EXECUTIVE

The Democratic Alliance (DA) said the appointment of Kgabo Mahoai as the MEC of Treasury is concerning.

“Mahoai was axed by the Directorate of International Relations and cooperation for an irregular expenditure of R118 million to obtain land in New York, which never materialised. Mahoai has now been given the cookie jar of the Province and will manage its finances. Clearly, he is an unsuitable candidate given his history.

“Re-elected Florence Radzilani, as MEC of Social Development is a red flag for the DA. Radzilani was called out on the VBS heist in an ongoing investigation, but she is called upon to manage a critical portfolio with a large budget,” DA caucus leader in Limpopo Lindy Wilson said.

WHO ARE THE OTHER MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL?

• Education – Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya
• Health – Masesi Mashego
• Agriculture and Rural Development – Nakedi Kekana
• Sport, Arts and Culture – Funani Jerry Maseko
• Provincial Treasury – Kgabo Elias Mahoai
• Economic Development, Environment and Tourism – Tshitereke Baldwin Matibe
• Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure – Ernest Rachoene
• Transport and Community Safety – Susani Violet Mathye
• Social Development – Florence Radzilani
• Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs – Basikopo Makamu