Creecy defends suspension of RAF executives amid misconduct claims

TRANSPORT Minister Barbara Creecy defended the precautionary suspension of the Road Accident Fund’s (RAF) acting CEO and chief finance officer saying this was not a punitive action, but a governance necessity and restored stability and accountability within the RAP’s financial governance environment.

- MAYIBONGWE MAQHINA

Responding to parliamentary questions from EFF MP Mazwi Blose, Creecy said the pair was suspended amid several allegations of financial misconduct that were brought to the attention of the RAF interim board.

In November, the board placed the acting CEO, CFO, chief governance officer, and the head of the office of the CEO on precautionary suspension, effective immediately.

It decided to allow for an independent and unhindered investigation into certain administrative and governance matters.

“These precautionary measures do not in any way constitute a finding of wrongdoing against the affected officials but are intended to ensure the integrity and transparency of the investigative process,” said the board.

According to Creecy, the board resolved at its meeting on September 19 to institute disciplinary action against the implicated executives.

She stated that the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) requires the board to ensure that the RAF maintains effective, efficient, and transparent financial and risk-management systems.

The PFMA also required the board to take effective disciplinary steps where employees undermine those systems or incur irregular or wasteful expenditure.