Public Protector finds Unisa breached policies in security manager appointment

Johannes Matlala was rehired on a R1-million contract after mandatory retirement age in process initiated and approved by same official.

The Public Protector has found that the University of South Africa violated its own policies when it appointed Johannes Peu Matlala to a fixed-term contract as manager of physical security services in Gauteng¹². Matlala, who reached the mandatory retirement age of 65 in March 2023, was rehired in January 2024 on a one-year contract with a salary close to R1 million annually, down from the R1.4 million he earned before retirement².

Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka stated that the allegation of irregular appointment was substantiated². Acting spokesperson Ndili Msoki said the appointment process failed to comply with the university's procedures for contract employees, fixed-term contractors, temporary service workers and independent contractors¹. While Unisa policy allows limited post-retirement fixed-term appointments in exceptional circumstances, the process followed in this case was procedurally flawed¹.

The investigation found that Unisa's Vice-Principal for Operations and Facilities, Matsiababa Motebele, acted improperly by both initiating and approving his own memorandum for Matlala's appointment². The report concluded that the appointment breached several of the university's internal policies and its Conditions of Employment, specifically Section H.2².

The investigation originated from a complaint lodged in May 2024 by Freedom Front Plus member Anton Alberts on behalf of a whistleblower who sought protection and advice during the process¹². Motebele now faces disciplinary proceedings related to the appointment².