Money laundering and fraud accused Portia “Pankie” Sizani on Wednesday again denied any involvement in the appointment of “ghost” teachers in 2009 and 2010.
Sizani, 50, took the stand at the Port Elizabeth Commercial Crimes Court, where she is accused of defrauding the provincial education department out of about R1.2m.
Sizani, the wife of former ANC parliamentary chief whip Stone Sizani, was testifying for the second day.
A former Early Childhood Development district co-ordinator, Sizani has pleaded not guilty to 26 counts of fraud and money laundering.
She has, to date, been acquitted of six charges.
“I don't know, your worship” was the near constant answer of a seemingly relaxed Sizani when questions about her involvement were asked.
She told the court the Port Elizabeth district education office had been allocated more “stipend-producing” posts than it had requested in 2008.
This, she said, gave leeway for due process not to be followed when allocating posts.
Motherwell’s Elundini Primary School was allocated a teacher post despite its having made no formal application.
That post was for grade R and Sizani’s niece, Amanda Noluntshungu, benefited from the appointment.
Statements from Noluntshungu were brought before the court, in which she said Sizani had told her not to tell the principal she was being paid a stipend.
Sizani denied any crime, saying Noluntshungu was lying to the court in saying the principal, a Mrs Mahleki, was not aware of Noluntshungu’s appointment and payment.
The trial continues.