Transport official accuses department of shielding boss after ethics probe

An independent investigation found a senior official in the transport department acted improperly by submitting an anonymous complaint against a subordinate while posing as a whistle‑blower, according to The Citizen. The finding has prompted an accusation that senior management is protecting the official named in the report.

Probe traces complaint to senior spokesperson

The Citizen reports the anonymous complaint about director of research and content development Esethu Hasane was traced to his boss, chief director of communications and national spokesperson Collen Msibi. Investigators concluded Msibi drafted and submitted the anonymous complaint himself, despite having managerial authority to address any concerns about Hasane’s conduct directly.

Misconduct and alleged retaliation

According to The Citizen, investigators found Msibi’s actions amounted to misconduct because he knowingly presented a false anonymous complaint as a protected disclosure under the Protected Disclosures Act. The report said the Act protects employees who disclose unlawful or unethical conduct in good faith but does not protect those who knowingly submit false or malicious complaints.

The Citizen also reports the investigation questioned Msibi’s motives, noting he had approved Hasane’s leave for the day of a protest that later formed the basis of the anonymous complaint. The report described Msibi’s comments portraying Hasane as a poor performer as appearing retaliatory and said there was a “clear indication” that Msibi would be pleased if Hasane left the department.

Department response and subsequent actions

The Citizen says the department told reporters the investigator did not recommend any disciplinary action against Msibi.

“In all instances Hasane was unsuccessful,”

The Citizen quotes Adam Masombuka, acting director‑general for corporate affairs, saying Hasane referred the issues to the public protector, the Public Service Commission and the court.

What the report found

The Citizen summarises the investigation as stating Msibi knowingly submitted a false anonymous complaint while presenting it as a protected disclosure, that his conduct was unethical given his managerial authority to deal with the matter directly, and that his comments and actions suggested ulterior motives and possible retaliation against Hasane.