A Department of Telecommunications and Postal Service (DTPS) deputy director-general (DDG) was this week fired via SMS by the ministry's director-general Rosey Sekese.
Gift Buthelezi, DDG for international relations, confirms that he was on leave when the message was sent to him, informing of his termination, and says the move was part of a personal vendetta against him.
Buthelezi was allegedly axed on accusations of failing to carry out his duties and/or insubordination, among others, but says the charges are "fabricated" and is heading to the Labour Court to challenge his dismissal.
He admits that a scuffle between him and another DTPS official occurred when he returned to work on Wednesday, only to find himself being locked out of his office.
He is also questioning the legitimacy of his termination, as he says it is only minister Siyabonga Cwele who has the authority to dismiss a deputy director-general, via written notice. Buthelezi says the matter has been brought to the minister's attention, who is currently considering it.
Cwele's spokesperson, Siya Qoza, did not comment on the matter, despite saying he would do so.
Shortly before Buthelezi's dismissal, a letter was sent to Cwele complaining about Sekese's management of the DTPS, and outlining issues of indecisive leadership, lack of leadership, centralised power and low staff morale.
It is understood that the letter was signed by all the department's DDGs, including Buthelezi, as well as Themba Phiri and Sam Vilakazi. The two allegedly also face disciplinary action levelled against them by Sekese.
This is understood to be related to a controversial R756 million Media Corner deal, to promote the country's digital migration project. The disciplinary procedures were allegedly instituted before the completion of a Special Investigating Unit (SIU) probe into the deal.
Democratic Alliance shadow minister of telecoms and postal services Marian Shinn says disciplinary action has also been initiated against 15 DTPS staff members prior to the SIU report being finalised and without staff members having access to it.
A source within the department says a "witch hunt" is currently under way to purge officials who allegedly opposed Sekese's return as DG, following her suspension in January 2013.
In November of the previous year, the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Communications found Sekese had lied when she provided misleading evidence about signing a performance agreement with the DOC.
Buthelezi was appointed as acting DG until Sekese returned in April 2013.
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