Maseko: My move to DPSA was not smooth
Former director-general at Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Themba Maseko says his move to public service and administration was not smooth.
Maseko and Mzwanele Manyi, who both at one time served as director-general of GCIS, are set to testify at the commission of inquiry into state capture on Wednesday.
Maseko has told the commission that he was axed from his position at the government’s communication unit due to his refusal to spend money at the Gupta-linked New Age newspaper.
Manyi was hired as his successor.
During his testimony on Wednesday, Maseko said there was no meeting or discussions with Public Service and Administration Minister Richard Baloyi prior to his transfer.
Maseko said the lack of communication led to governance issues at the department, which caused friction between the two parties.
He also claimed that he was not invited to certain meetings and that Baloyi took decisions with Maseko's team without his knowledge.
His departure from the department, however, had nothing to do with his treatment by Baloyi.
"He wasn't as welcoming, but I do not think he had anything personal against me. I just get the atmosphere was not conducive for me to stay on.
"Me leaving DPSA had nothing to do with no longer wanting to be in public service, but it was about being forcefully removed from GCIS."
Maseko described his removal from GCIS as abrupt and came as shock to everyone.
"It caught a lot of people by surprise, including the Cabinet meeting. I never had an opportunity to pack my things or even a staff meeting. That's how rushed things were.
"I had a very close relationship with my staff. I would have loved to say a proper goodbye to my staff.”