Commissioner Maruping earns R1.4m on suspension

UNEMPLOYMENT Insurance Fund (UIF) commissioner Teboho Maruping has pocketed R1.4 million in salaries while on precautionary suspension in connection with the unlawful awarding of the R5 billion Thuja Capital contract.

- MAYIBONGWE MAQHINA

This takes place while Maruping’s disciplinary hearing is still under way. The hearing was instituted last year after he was placed on precautionary suspension in September 2023 with full pay.

Maruping was suspended for his role in the conclusion of the unlawful job creation scheme contract entered into between the UIF and Thuja Holdings.

The contract was declared invalid and set aside by the Pretoria High Court in May 2024 and an appeal was dismissed by the Supreme Court of Appeal in August 2024. Replying to parliamentary questions from DA MP Michael Bagraim, Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth said Maruping was still in the employ of the UIE.

“The official is still employed, and his position is Unemployment Insurance Commissioner,’ Meth said.

Meth confirmed that Maruping was still subjected to the disciplinary process.

The charge sheet against Maruping states that the department instituted disciplinary action regarding serious allegations of dishonesty in the performance of his duties, recklessness, and negligence.