MASOGA UNLEASHES FURY ON FORMER BOARD: "WITCH-HUNT" REPORT TAKEN TO COURT

SETA Admistrator Lehlogonolo Masoga.

By Mpho Dube, Editor-in-Chief, The Azanian

Johannesburg - In a shocking turn of events, Lehlogonolo Masoga, the current Administrator of the Services Sector Education Training Authority (SETA), has taken the extraordinary step of approaching the high court to review and set aside the Morar Forensic Report, which accused him of backdating a Service Level Agreement (SLA) during his tenure as CEO of the Musina Makhado Special Economic Zone (MMSEZ).

Masoga, who was axed as CEO in July 2024, claims that the report was a "witch-hunt" orchestrated by a faction of the MMSEZ board, led by former deputy chairperson Matome Ralebipi, who had a personal vendetta against him.

According to Masoga, the investigation was initiated under false pretenses, with the board allegedly expanding the scope of the probe to include the SLA, despite it not being part of the original terms of reference. He alleges that the report was leaked to the media by the board to destroy his reputation and ensure that his contract was not renewed.

In a statement, Masoga said, "While I welcome transparency and accountability in the public sector, I believe this process was flawed, one-sided, and unjust. I owe it to my family, my professional reputation, and the public I've served to clear my name through proper legal channels."

The affidavit filed by Masoga reveals that the investigation was conducted without a valid SLA, as the contract between MMSEZ and Morar Inc had expired in October 2023. The Provincial Treasury has confirmed that the contract was not renewed, rendering the investigation null and void.

Masoga's lawyer has accused the former board of "malicious" and "factional" behavior, aimed at thwarting Masoga's chances of securing a second term as CEO. The lawyer has also lodged a complaint with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) against the former Chairperson of the Audit and Risk Committee, Maphefo Moatshe, for unethical conduct.

MMSEZ spokesperson Shavana Mushwana said he will revert to The Azanian after engaging properly with the relevant structures when he returns to work on Wednesday from leave.

The MMSEZ has been plagued by controversy and infighting, with allegations of tender irregularities and interference by the former board. Since Masoga's departure, the entity has struggled to appoint a new CEO, and projects have been delayed due to EIA and land disputes.

The Azanian has sent questions to the former board, which reveal a litany of allegations, including the board's failure to take responsibility for the leak of the report, and the alleged manipulation of the investigation to target Masoga.

The former board has been approached for comment, but has failed to respond. Masoga's court application is set to be heard in the coming weeks, and the outcome is eagerly awaited by many who have been following the saga.