Cape Town - Parliament has suspended deputy secretary Baby Tyawa and commissioned an independent investigation into irregularities in relation to Parliament’s administration.
Furthermore, legislature figureheads, almost 11 months after the fact, have requested a probe into the January fire.
Without going into the details on the case around Tyawa, Parliament spokesperson Moloto Mothapo on Thursday afternoon said the institution’s accounting officer, Xolile George, had commissioned an independent investigation into allegations of irregularities in relation to the administration of Parliament, which were reported to George by the Parliament’s audit committee.
Moreover, Mothapo said National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and National Council of Provinces chair Amos Masondo requested an investigation into the security breach and the fire that followed in the precinct on January 2 and 3 this year.
In relation to the graft investigation, Mothapo said George would provide investigators with the necessary support and employees who will assist the investigation will be identified during the process.
Baby Tyawa had been acting secretary since 2019 until George was appointed this year.
“It is important to appreciate that no person or persons have as yet been identified as at fault, or complicit in any of the alleged transgressions. Any actions taken by George in pursuance of the process will be to ensure that the investigation proceeds unhindered.
“In this regard, the deputy secretary for support services, Ms Baby Tyawa, has been placed on a precautionary suspension pending the finalisation of the investigation. The decision does not in any way imply guilt on her part,” Mothapo said.
He said Parliament would work around the clock to ensure a timeous conclusion of the investigation “to guard against any aspersion being cast against affected parties”.
Mothapo said that Parliament remained committed to good governance, accountability and professionalism.
“To safeguard the integrity of the process, Parliament will not offer further public comment on this process until its finalisation,” Mothapo said.
Approached for comment, Nehawu Parliament branch chairperson Sthembiso Tembe said they would issue a statement, but had not done so at the time of writing.