Sunday World reports that an internal audit has uncovered significant flaws and irregularities in the recruitment process for the deputy director of communication at the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF).
The audit, covering 8 to 20 May 2024, has raised concerns about the hiring procedures, highlighting an urgent need for reform towards a fair and transparent recruitment process. Before his suspension last September, UIF commissioner Teboho Maruping received complaints from unions regarding alleged irregularities in hiring practices under the oversight of advocate Mzie Yawa, the chief director of corporate services. Maruping noted several irregularities upon reviewing the submissions related to appointments and subsequently requested an internal audit. Notably, the audit did not identify any single individual responsible for the discrepancies. Responding to enquiries about the appointment of the deputy director of communication, Yawa, now acting in Maruping’s position, stated: “Regarding your inquiry on the appointment of the deputy director: communication, we wish to inform you that a grievance process, in terms of our policies, is already underway to determine whether there is merit in the complaint of non-appointment by one of the candidates. In view thereof, we propose not to divulge more information on the issue or deal with the matter in the media. We are confident that the appointment in question complies with applicable legislation, regulations, and policies.” The internal audit report highlights critical issues within the recruitment and selection policy. It particularly points out the absence of a clear process for addressing errors in candidates’ information identified after interview notifications. This omission undermines the recruitment process’s integrity, leaving room for errors and inconsistencies. Complications further arise when appointed panel members decline their roles or when labour representatives fail to attend key sessions.
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Setumo Stone at Sunday World
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