Teboho Maruping, commissioner of the (WVF), who was suspended in September 2024, has been fired. (Photo: UIF / Facebook).
Teboho Maruping, commissioner of the Unemployment Insurance Fund (WVF), who was suspended in September 2024, has been fired.
This came to light after the DA asked a question about the issue in parliament, says Michael Bagraim, the DA’s spokesperson on employment and labour.
Maroela Media earlier reported that Maruping, commissioner of the WVF, was still earning his full salary – an amount that amounted to more than R2 million – months after his suspension, while his disciplinary hearing dragged on.
Bagraim says it is worrying that this information has not been disclosed by Employment and Labor Minister Nomakhosazana Meth.
“Maruping has left the WVF’s systems and management in a dire state, with workers struggling to access benefits and businesses struggling to meet their obligations.
During his tenure, and as a reason for his suspension at the time, he was linked to an illegal contract entered into by the WVF to acquire a 19% share in Thuja Capital for R5 billion, despite the fact that the company had no verifiable premises, website or record.
He was also accused of threatening employees with suspension if they raised objections to the deal. The transaction was later set aside by a court because it circumvented the Public Financial Management Act (PFMA). Disciplinary proceedings began in November 2024 but have reportedly been repeatedly delayed due to delaying tactics such as changes in legal representation and the submission of medical certificates.
This was not Maruping’s first suspension. He previously spent almost two years at home, after being linked with an irregular Covid-19 Ters contract. In total, it is estimated that he was suspended for approximately a quarter of his term of office and earned approximately R4 million during this period.
Bagrain says the DA will request confirmation from Meth that Maruping has been placed on the Department of Public Service and Administration’s (DPSA) Central Register for dismissed civil servants, as well as the period for which he was excluded from public service due to gross misconduct.
“The DA will continue to demand full accountability. This includes a comprehensive review of disciplinary processes within the department and its entities. The party will utilize all available parliamentary mechanisms to ensure that those responsible for management failures at the UIF are held accountable and that workers finally receive the service they deserve.”