Special leave for Road Accident Fund CEO as SIU investigates
In a statement, the Department of Transport said Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa, as the delegated shareholder representative, had been informed by the RAF board of Letsoalo's special leave.
The decision was made at a special meeting on Tuesday.
'The CEO will be on special leave until the conclusion of the relevant investigations by the Special Investigations Unit, or such earlier date as the board may determine. The board has indicated that this is a precautionary measure and does not constitute disciplinary action or presumption of guilt,' said the department yesterday.
According to the statement, the decision was taken solely in the interest of good governance and as a precautionary step to facilitate ongoing investigative processes.
'It does not imply any prejudgment or adverse finding against the CEO. In making this decision, it must be noted that the board exercised its fiduciary duties in terms of the Road Accident Fund Act 56 of 1996, the Public Finance Management Act 1 of 1999, and in alignment with the principles of good governance as set out in King IV.'
Meanwhile, Phathutshedzo Lukhwareni will serve as the acting CEO to ensure continuity of operations.
The deputy minister has directed that the matter be placed on the agenda for the board meeting he has called for June 9.
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