By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana has appointed Job Stadi Mngomezulu as acting Chief Executive of Government Pensions Administration Agency (GPAA) with immediate effect.
This follows the suspension of Kedibone Madiehe over controversial R1bn lease.
The suspension comes as pressure mounted on Madiehe over the uncertainty of who actually owns the building, for which GPAA has signed a lease agreement.
The rental contract, which is for nine years and 11 months, covers office space and parking.
Madiehe insisted that the agency was provided with sale agreement documentation for the building, which was a requirement for the bid.
She acknowledged the ownership dispute must be resolved, saying the GPAA still plans to move into the building within 18 months. This is pending budget finalisation and confirmation of Shula Developers’ title deed.
Concerns were raised after real estate developer Attacq claimed ownership of the Brooklyn Bridge office. It claimed that it had no intention of selling or leasing the offices. Shula Developers has been granted until September 1 to sort these issues.
Madiehe disputed claims of irregularities. She emphasised that proper steps were followed before her approval.
GPAA is the agency responsible for administering funds for the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF), serving 1.7 million employees and pensioners.
Godongwana is confident in Mngomezulu’s ability to lead the organisation during the transitional period, and stated: “Under Mngomezulu’s leadership, GPAA will continue to deliver on its mandate while we work to resolve these matters expeditiously.”
Mngomezulu joined the Treasury more than two decades ago as a Director: Financial Management before being promoted to Chief Financial Officer. He later served as a Chief Risk Officer before taking up the role of Deputy Director-General: Corporate Services.
Mngomezulu has a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Accounting and a Masters in Business Leadership (MBL) from UNISA, National Treasury Chief Directors Programme at GIBS, as well as a certification in board effectiveness for Pension Funds from the International Centre for Pension Management at the Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto.