By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has ordered that human settlements director-general Mbulelo Tshangana be transferred to another department after a breakdown in the relationship between him and minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane.
Tshangana was placed on special leave by Kubayi who reportedly accused him of repeatedly defying her and failing to fulfil his duties as an accounting officer of the department.
In a letter dated June 9 written by Ramaphosa on the finalisation of a mediation process and submission of a report to him by mediator Adv Azhar Bham SC.
The first proposed option is that the DG remains in his position and the situation is monitored closely by the Presidency for a maximum period of five months,” read the letter.
“The second option is that the DG is transferred to an alternative position in Public Service at the same level.”
Ramaphosa said he preferred option two and decided Tshangana will be transferred to an alternative position in Public Service at the same level.
Earlier, Tshangana released a statement responding to media reports that Kubayi had placed him on special leave pending the mediation process.
“The powers and authority to place a director-general on suspension is only vested with the President of the Republic, and not with the minister,” Tshangana said.
It was not clear on Saturday if Ramaphosa’s decision to transfer him to another role in the public service had been communicated to Tshangana.