URGENT!!!

FOR ATTENTION: PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON BASIC EDUCATION (SOUTH AFRICAN PARLIAMENT)
THURSDAY, 22 MAY 2025

Dear Sir/Madam,


TAXPAYERS MONEY WASTED ON NEWLY APPOINTED ADVOCATE // IN THE MATTER BETWEEN MRS THANDILE MPOSELWA v MEC FOR EDUCATION, EC // DEFENDANT'S DEFENSE HAS BEEN STRUCK OUT!

I am writing to follow up on our complaint submitted to the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education in 2024. The complaint pertained to the Eastern Cape Department of Education's (ECDoE) frivolous use of taxpayer funds to oppose court cases, despite having no legal basis.

For context, I have included a link to an article published in an independent online newspaper, detailing the case of Mrs. Thandile Mposelwa vs. MEC for Education, Eastern Cape:

https://iol.co.za/news/south-africa/2025-05-18-eastern-cape-education-faces-lawsuit-from-retired-teacher-over-leave-gratuity/

Regrettably, despite the Zwelitsha Magistrate Court striking out the Department's defense and granting Mrs. Mposelwa leave to apply for a Default Judgment, the ECDoE continues to employ delaying tactics. We have been informed that the Department intends to appoint a new advocate, likely resulting in another postponement for the court hearing scheduled for tomorrow, Friday 23 May 2025.

The lack of consequences for the ECDoE's wasteful expenditure of taxpayer funds on legally baseless cases is alarming. We humbly request that the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education and the National Department of Basic Education intervene and hold the responsible officials accountable.

For ease of reference, I have attached a copy of the judgment striking out the Department's defense. We appreciate your prompt intervention in this matter and hope that it will be treated with the urgency it deserves.

Disappointed regards,

Bandile Magibili
On behalf of Mrs. Thandile Mposelwa