By Levy Masiteng
The Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA) has welcomed the outcome of an independent forensic investigation that cleared its CEO, Mpho Mookapele, of allegations of misconduct and irregularities.
This follows allegations submitted to Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister Mimmy Gondwe by the former Chief Financial Officer after her termination in December 2024.
They included claims of irregularities in discretionary grant processes, unauthorised international travel, misconduct linked to the War on Leaks programme and victimisation of staff.
“In response, and in line with its commitment to accountability, the EWSETA board acted decisively, commissioning an independent service provider to conduct a comprehensive and impartial investigation in January 2025,” said EWSETA.
They said the final report was submitted last month which concluded that these allegations were unfounded.
The key findings of the investigation included no evidence of wrongdoing, no misconduct linked to War on Leaks Programme and a parliamentary oversight where the matter was further scrutinised at a Parliamentary hearing by the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) on 26 February 2025.
“This level of parliamentary oversight further underscores EWSETA’s commitment to transparency and public accountability,” EWSETA added.
With the CEO now cleared, it said it would focus on implementing the report’s recommendations to strengthen internal controls and reinforce its governance framework, with the aim of building a transparent, ethical and high-performing institution that delivered on its mandate to advance skills development in South Africa’s energy and water sectors.
“While the organisation remains open to scrutiny, it is equally firm in addressing misinformation. EWSETA will take appropriate steps should false or misleading claims result in undue reputational harm.”
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