Ceta manager earns R1.7m without qualifications

Tumiso Mphuthi was apparently earning R1.7 million per annum without a qualification. Motshwari Mofokeng/African News Agency (ANA) Archives

Tumiso Mphuthi was apparently earning R1.7 million per annum without a qualification. Motshwari Mofokeng/African News Agency (ANA) Archives

Published May 18, 2022

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Durban - Construction Education and Training Authority (Ceta) supply chain management head Tumiso Mphuthi was apparently earning R1.7 million per annum without a qualification.

In a document emanating from the verification process, and seen by the Daily News, Mphuthi has only a diploma in purchasing and supply chain management which the skills audit categorised as level 4 under the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).

According to NQF levels, Mphuthi’s qualification was equivalent to Grade 12. But the requirements for the SCM manager’s position he is currently holding were NQF level 7 to 8 – which were a degree and postgraduate qualifications.

The audit also found that Mphuthi did not have a qualification called Circuit Breaker Industries which was nonetheless a non-accredited qualification, yet she submitted it for verification.

Ceta had undertaken to verify qualifications for its own staff. The verification was in line with the National Qualification Framework Act 67 of 2008 under SA Qualifications Authority.

The audit was jointly done by an independent company, African Ambition, together with Manage Integrity Evaluation, a background screening and vetting company.

According to the Ceta’s organogram, she was holding the second-most senior position in this entity that falls under the Department of Higher Education under Minister Dr Blade Nzimande.

Besides demanding a degree as a minimum qualification, the SCM post also requires one to have five to eight years of experience in supply chain management – operational, three years in a Ceta procurement environment, and three to four years in a management role. It also requires detailed knowledge of public sector legislation governing supply chain, detailed knowledge of the PFMA, National Treasury Regulations, contract management experience and other relevant legislation governing the sector.

According to the inside source which leaked the information to the paper, Mphithi does not have any proper qualifications except an NQF4 Diploma (equivalent to matric) from a private college called PSM College.

The source said the “diploma” was not a three-year qualification, but some short courses that were called a diploma. The source further alleged that she got promoted to the well-paying post through her connections inside the entity.

“She has two specialists reporting to her who are way much more qualified than her. One holds an NQF7, while the other has an NQF9 degree. The office administrator is even more qualified than her, holding an NQF6.

“Ms Mphuthi earns around R1.7 million a year, including benefits, and right now she is colluding with certain people for an 18% salary increase. This would take her salary to around R2 million, which is the same as a minister’s, if not more,” said the source.

The source added that an external lifestyle audit has flagged her as a risk, meaning she is possibly using her position to further make money for herself.

Mphuthi was sent questions last week and on Tuesday but at the time of publication she had not responded.

Ceta management had also promised to respond after confirming receipt of emailed questions but had not at the time of publication.

Higher Education spokesperson Ishmael Mnisi said the department would want to give an opportunity to the Ceta board and management to handle the issue as the entity was empowered to hire its own staff without the department’s intervention. He said although the entity enjoyed some autonomy it had to conduct its business under the processes and regulations which are approved by the department.

Daily News

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