Labour Court blocks Manamela’s move to re-advertise NSF CEO post

Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela cannot proceed with plans to re-advertise the National Skills Fund (NSF) executive officer position until a court review has been finalised.

The Labour Court granted an interim interdict on Tuesday, 13 October, preventing the implementation of the minister’s directive. The order will remain in place while the court considers a review application brought by Dr Khathutshelo Innocent Sirovha.

The ministry has acknowledged the judgment and confirmed that Manamela will comply with the order.

“The Minister respects the judgment and will comply fully with the Court’s order,” the ministry said.

Court has not decided who should get the position

The interim order does not resolve the underlying dispute over the recruitment process.

According to the ministry, the court has not made a final ruling on whether Manamela’s directive to re-advertise the position was lawful. It has also not declared Sirovha the appointed NSF executive officer.

The matter will remain subject to further legal proceedings until Sirovha’s substantive review application has been determined.

Manamela pledges commitment to fair recruitment

The minister has reiterated his commitment to lawful and transparent recruitment, good governance and the effective operation of the National Skills Fund.

The ministry also highlighted the importance of ensuring that the NSF and institutions within the post-school education and training sector function effectively.

However, Manamela will not comment further on the merits of the dispute while it remains before the courts.

“Given that this matter is currently before the courts, the Minister will not comment on the merits of the case while judicial proceedings are under way,” the ministry said.

The National Skills Fund operates within the post-school education and training sector overseen by the Department of Higher Education and Training.

For now, the court order prevents the minister from moving ahead with re-advertising the executive officer position while the legal challenge continues.

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com

Source: iol.co.za