Science and technology minister Derek Hanekom

The technology Innovation Agency (TIA) has dismissed CEO Simphiwe Duma and CFO Barbara Kortjaas, and has also released findings of a forensic investigation into maladministration.

Speaking at a media briefing in Pretoria, science and technology minister Derek Hanekom" rel=tag>Derek Hanekom said Deloitte was appointed to investigate various allegations, following internal fact-finding conducted by the TIA board.

According to Hanekom, Deloitte was tasked with probing allegations of nepotism, intimidation of external auditors, irregular investment transactions, procurement of goods and services, as well as some of Duma’s declared expenses. Hanekom says disciplinary proceedings were initiated against Duma and “they then recommended to me that the CEO be dismissed. I concurred with this recommendation.”

Hanekom added that both the appointment and dismissal of the TIA’s CEO occurs once it has been ratified by the minister of science and technology – whose department oversees the agency.

Duma had been suspended since October, following the probe’s instigation.

The report says the appointment of Kgomotso Matjila – Duma’s ex-wife – as GM of marketing and branding was irregular, as she was not properly evaluated as per the TIA’s recruitment policy.

The report recommended disciplinary action against Duma as he was aware Matjila was not interviewed.

Duma appointed Ilizwi Industrial Holdings to conduct a study on behalf of the agency, but did so without following the correct procurement processes, which includes opening up a tender process.

Both Duma and Kortjaas approved the appointment of Ilizwi without a tender, despite not having the authority to do so.