Parastatals again hit by exodus of executives

A TOP-LEVEL exodus from Eastern Cape parastatals has again put the spotlight on boardroom power struggles and political interference as the reasons behind the province's brain drain.

The latest to face the axe is Eastern Cape Liquor Board (ECLB) chief executive Gonzales Mati.

His axing follows the resignation of EL-IDZ chief financial officer Zine Madyibi.

Mati was also forced to take leave just months before the end of his five-year term in August.

This came after protracted wrangling with the ECLB's board over corporate governance issues.

Sources said Mati had been in conflict with the board.

"The board has been persecuting, undermining and humiliating Mati for a long time.

"They wanted to have monthly board meetings just so they can claim fees."

Mati's departure brings to four the number of top managers of Eastern Cape institutions under the Department of Economic Development to vacate their positions since the beginning of the year.

They include Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) chief executive Sitembele Mase, who was axed by his board last month.

This followed allegations of unauthorised disbursal of funds totalling R22.2-million for the Mandela memorial services.

Before that, Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency chief executive Luxolo Rubushe quit due to "family imperatives" in April.

In recent years, top-performing AsgiSA Eastern Cape chief executive Simpiwe Somdyala and previous ECDC chief executive Mxolisi Matshamba were not retained.

Former ECDC board chairman, Professor Wiseman Nkuhlu, was ousted for being aligned to COPE. - Siya Miti