The North West department of agriculture and rural development’s chief financial officer, Sophy Koikanyang, has been fired from her position for gross misconduct and fraud.
Poiho Ramotlatsi, the spokesperson for MEC Desbo Mohono, told Food For Mzansi that Dedricks Mompei, the director of financial administration in her department, would serve as acting CFO until a permanent appointment was made.
Emelda Setlhako, a spokesperson for the department, said Koikanyang’s contact was terminated on 28 June 2021 following the outcome of disciplinary processes.
These processes were conducted after she was identified to have erratically granted a security tender and processed a payment for a building that was never transferred to the department.
Sehlako said Koikanyang processed the payment for the building through a departmentally appointed implementing agent called Agri Delight.
Gross negligence and dishonesty
“The building was intended to serve and to store produce from farmers in the Ramotshere Moiloa Local municipality, in line with the marketing strategy, as it was on the outskirts of town and closer to the buyers,” explained Sehlako.
Koikanyang was then suspended last year and charged with gross negligence and dishonesty, fraud and gross financial misconduct.
Sehlako said the disciplinary process was concluded on 25 June 2021 and it was recommended that she should be dismissed. “The department welcomed the decision and will continue to cooperate with all parties in this matter.”
