Makhandlela to take legal action

CHANDAPIWA BAPUTAKI
Staff Writer | Tuesday May 4, 2010 00:00

 

'What I can say about all this is how disappointed I am after working tirelessly for the Ministry of Education and the government and being sent packing like a herdman,' he said. 'My work record is there for all to see and I have never been brought before a disciplinary hearing for any offence,' he added.

He said that the permanent secretary, Ruth Maphorisa 'rudely' called him from Mokobeng Village where he was visiting schools. Upon arriving at the ministry head office, he was given the letter of retirement signed by the permanent secretary to the President, Eric Molale, with no reason stated for this action.

'I am seeking legal advice and as such I cannot comment further,' he said revealing that he vacated his office over the weekend.

Before the forced retirement, Makhandlela held the post of deputy permanent secretary Regional Operations.Prior to that he worked as director in the Department of Teaching Service Management from 2005 to January 2009. He also worked as the Chief Education Officer for the Central District in the period 1999-2005. This appointment came after he had held the post of headmaster at Makhubu Junior Secondary School and Matshekge Senior Secondary Schools respectively. He also served as an English and Setswana teacher at Selebi- Phikwe Senior Secondary School in the 1980's.

MoE's permanent secretary Maphorisa declined to comment on the matter. Meanwhile the ministry is already considering a replacement for Makhandlela with senior manager, Oemetse Nkoane allegedly tipped to take over the position. It has erroneously been reported that as deputy permanent secretary he supervised the troubled Student Placement department, this is not the case as Makhandlela supervised regions.