Mohlala versus Nyanda: The battle continues

The Department of Communications (DoC) on Friday announced that its Director-General (DG) Mamodupi Mohlala has been released from her position effective immediately.

“The Department has been facing a number of challenges relating to internal processes and procedure, and in trying to find solutions, it became apparent trust between Minister Siphiwe Nyanda and the director general had broken down irretrievably,” the DoC said in a press statement.

“In the interests of the Department, the staff and the government, the Minister has come to the conclusion that it would be best to release Ms Mohlala from her position as Director General with effect from 23 July 2010.”

Nyanda told eTV that his relationship with Mohlala has broken down and that trust between the two parties was absent.  Nyanda added that he needs a DG that serves him (the minister) and who is subordinate, and that this was not the case with Mohlala.

Mohlala hit back, saying that her relationship with Nyanda was ‘fabulous’.  Mohlala said that ‘people in parliament and cabinet’ will confirm that there was no problem with her relationship with the minister.

Nyanda offered Mohlala a full year’s pay (around R1.6 million), but Mohlala said that is not enough.  The fired Communications DG said that she is looking for a similar position in the public sector or a payout of her full 3 to 5 year contract.

It is understood that Mohlala is seeking legal advice on her sacking and that she may challenge the decision.

Dr Harold Wesso has been appointed as acting director general.

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