The National Professional Teachers’ Organisation of South Africa (NAPTOSA) in KwaZulu-Natal has expressed serious concerns about the appointment of Yali Joyi as the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education.

Joyi previously held the position of CFO at the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), but she resigned after being suspended over allegations of financial misconduct.

While she cited health reasons for her resignation, Naptosa CEO Thirona Moodley pointed out that the allegations were never formally tested.

“The allegations against her were unfortunately not tested before her resignation and will stay with her unless she defends the allegations,” Moodley said.

Moodley questioned the department’s decision, highlighting the scale and complexity of the education budget in the province.

“The KZN Department must justify this appointment. The department is the biggest education department in the country, with a large complex budget. The integrity of any CFO must be beyond reproach. Sadly, this is not the case with this appointment,” she said.

Joyi was suspended in September 2024 alongside two other senior officials following allegations of financial misconduct during the run-up to the 2024 May general elections. 

She later resigned, insisting that her departure should not be interpreted as an admission of guilt but rather a necessary move due to the toll the matter had taken on her health and family.

“This communication serves to advise that I hereby tender my resignation from the department with immediate effect,” Joyi said in the resignation letter.

“Please take note that my decision to resign must not in any way be misconstrued as an admission of any of the allegations which have been levelled against me and that I have made it purely out of expediency, having regard to the negative toll and effect that this matter is having on my health as well as my family.”

Natu also joined the call for transparency and accountability. The union expressed shock over Joyi’s appointment and questioned the political will behind the decision.

“Natu is astonished that, in light of severe financial woes faced by the Department of Education in the province, the MEC Sipho Hlomuka, appoints someone with an adverse financial management record to oversee the department’s finances,” said Natu general secretary Doctor Ngema.

Ngema noted that the department is already struggling with serious issues, including misallocation of funds, non-disbursement of norms and standards, irregular expenditure, and poor oversight,all of which negatively impact learners.

“This decision clearly demonstrates a lack of political will to uphold the principles of good governance, transparency, and accountability. Her appointment sends a message that unethical conduct is not discouraged but rewarded,” Ngema said.

Natu has called for the release of the full investigative report from Cogta regarding Joyi’s suspension, asserting that the Department of Education “deserves better and cannot afford to be led by someone with questionable integrity.”

Moreover, the Democratic Alliance (DA) in KwaZulu-Natal has also opposed the appointment.In a statement, the DA’s provincial spokesperson on education, Sakhile Mngadi, confirmed that the party had written to Hlomuka, demanding the immediate reversal of Joyi’s appointment.

A letter dated  May 25, 2025, and signed by Hlomuka confirms that Joyi was offered the post, effective from July 1, 2025.

The DA warned that if the MEC does not act within five working days, the party will escalate the matter to Premier Thami Ntuli and file formal complaints with the Public Service Commission and the Public Protector, while also exploring legal avenues under the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act (PAJA).

Mngadi said, “Joyi resigned from Cogta just days before facing a disciplinary hearing amid an ongoing forensic investigation into irregular procurement and financial misconduct.

”Instead of being held accountable, she is now being rewarded with a new position in the Department of Education—a department already plagued by poor financial controls, mismanagement, and a string of adverse audit outcomes. This appointment represents a blatant act of cadre deployment, political shielding, and a betrayal of public trust.”

He further argued that the move violates multiple legislative frameworks. According to Mngadi, it contravenes Section 195 of the Constitution, which calls for transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct in public service.

It also undermines the Public Finance Management Act and the Public Service Act, which disqualify individuals facing unresolved allegations of financial misconduct. Additionally, it disregards the Public Administration Management Act, which requires merit-based and ethical appointments, he said. 

“This appointment sends a dangerous signal that misconduct is tolerated and even rewarded if one enjoys political protection. KwaZulu-Natal cannot afford the continued recycling of compromised officials. An ethical, capable state begins with accountability—not cadre protection,” Mngadi warned. 

The DA, as part of the Government Provincial Unity (GPU), has also called for the immediate tabling of all vetting and appointment documents before the Education Portfolio Committee. The party highlighted that failure to act would render  Hlomuka complicit in eroding governance and integrity within the department.

Despite the controversy, Hlomuka confirmed Joyi’s appointment via a post on X, effective from July 1. 

“I congratulate and wish her well in her new position as CFO of the KZN Department of Education,” said Hlomuka.

hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za

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