This development comes amidst ongoing investigations into alleged acts of corruption and mismanagement at the agency, as well as a growing list of grievances from former employees. Thamane, who has led CEDA since 2008, was suspended by the Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship, Tiroeaone Ntsima, a fortnight ago. The suspension letter, which was delivered to Thamane’s residence by Assistant Minister Baratiwa Mathoothe, is intended to allow a forensic audit to proceed without interference. Minister Ntsima, who was in Davos, Switzerland then, stated that the suspension could last until the audit is completed or until auditors are satisfied with their findings. However, there are allegations that just a day after his suspension, Thamane 'wrote' to the CEDA Board chairperson, complaining that his suspension was carried out without the Board’s recommendation. He allegedly argued that this gave him the impression he had been “pre-judged” and requested a mutual separation package. Interestingly, the letter was not copied to the Minister, raising questions about Thamane’s intentions. The Board, led by its chairperson, reportedly quickly convened to consider Thamane’s request. "At the meeting, it was resolved that CEDA’s Human Resources Director, Tirelo Leshetla, and Company Secretary, Cynthia Sebonego, would draft a separation package for the embattled CEO. The chairperson emphasised the need for secrecy, citing concerns about leaks following the recent unauthorised disclosure of policy changes related to staff loans," our source alleged.
The proposed package, which has been drawn up for Board approval, allegedly includes a range of benefits that have been described as excessive. "Thamane is set to receive all his benefits for the remaining 11 months of his contract, including; amonthly internet allowance of P3, 500 for 11 months; payment for fuel he would have used during the same period, and airtime allowances for 11 months," it is alleged. Critics argue that the package is an attempt to pre-empt any disciplinary action against Thamane and avoid a potentially lengthy and damaging process. Thamane’s suspension and the proposed package come against a backdrop of serious allegations of corruption and mismanagement at CEDA. The Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) has confirmed that it is investigating Thamane and the agency. The DCEC spokesperson, Nlayidzi Gambule, stated that the investigation is ongoing but declined to provide further details. Adding to Thamane’s woes, a group of former CEDA employees recently submitted a petition to the Ministry of Trade and Entrepreneurship, alleging abuse, harassment, and wrongful dismissal. The petition, received by Mathoothe, also highlights concerns about the sale of properties belonging to former employees and calls for compensation or reinstatement. Former employees claim that they were forced to repay their loans in full upon leaving the agency, a policy that has since been revised. Last year, CEDA’s management reportedly approached the Board to amend the loan repayment policy, allowing employees to continue repaying their loans even after leaving the organisation. Critics argue that this change was made to protect senior executives in the event of their removal. The scandal at CEDA has drawn widespread public attention, with over 20, 000 people signing an online petition calling for action against corruption at the agency.
The petitioners, led by Setlhomo Tshwanelang, have demanded a full investigation into CEDA’s operations, including; the appointment of CEDA ambassador Sonny Serite and the funding of businesses linked to him; the procurement of CEDA’s current offices and potential conflicts of interest; the writing off of bad debts and the beneficiaries of such decisions; the repossession and sale of properties to CEDA executives and Board members. The petitioners also called for the suspension of the entire CEDA Executive and Board to ensure a transparent and unbiased investigation. In response to the mounting pressure, late last year Ntsima announced a forensic audit of CEDA. The audit will examine a wide range of issues, including financial mismanagement, procurement processes, and allegations of corruption. The minister has emphasised the need for transparency and accountability, stating that the audit will help restore public trust in the agency. Mathoothe confirmed that the petition from former employees will be considered as part of the forensic audit. “We are still studying the contents of the petition and will determine how it fits into the broader investigation,” he said. The alleged proposed exit package for Thamane has sparked outrage amongst disgruntled CEDA employees, who view it as a reward for failure. They argue that the package is unjustifiable, given the serious allegations against Thamane and the financial challenges facing the agency. Thamane has since denied any knowledge of the matter. “I do not know what you are talking about. Like I said before, any person who wants to discuss this matter should speak to the Board or shareholders. I will be remaining home serving my suspension and cooperating with the authorities throughout my suspension,” he told Mmegi.
Contacted for a comment, CEDA Board chairperson, Dr Alfred Tsheboeng, refuted the claims. “There is no truth in the allegations. Also, if there was any truth, I would not discuss such with you because it would be contractual issues between Thamane and CEDA and not for the media,” he said.
