Johannesburg – The Public Service Commission (PSC) says it participated in exposing teacher Ntombelanga Pretty Labane for using a fake Matric certificate and “welcomes” her arrest.
The union said Labane was employed as an educator at various schools including Theu Theu Primary School and Hlelimfundo Secondary School in the Volksrust Circuit, using a fraudulent Matric certificate.
Teacher Ntombelanga Pretty Labane Arrested Over Fake Matric Certificate – The Bulrushes
Explaining the role of the union in outing Labane, the PSC in Mpumalanga said: “A whistleblower reported this matter to the PSC in Mpumalanga and alleged that Ms. Labane does not possess a Matric certificate albeit being employed as a teacher which requires a matric”.
The union added: “Following the report, the PSC investigated the matter and found that, indeed, Ms. Labane possesses a fraudulent Matric certificate”.
The PSC said its findings and recommendations were subsequently submitted to the school principal, circuit manager, and head of the Department of Education in Mpumalanga.
The matter was also referred to the Hawks for further investigation.
PSC Caretaker Commissioner for Mpumalanga Magerule Sekonya said: “The swift action and arrest sends a strong message to the public. The use of fraudulent qualifications to gain employment is a criminal offence and will not be tolerated”.
The PSC said teacher Labane’s arrest was an important illustration of the critical role that whistleblowers play in the fight against fraud and corruption in the Public Service.
“It is for this reason that the whistleblower protection regime needs to be strengthened inorder to encourage more whistleblowers to come forward and report similar incidents to help protect the state from such fraudulent practices and transactions,” the PSC said.
The union encouraged community members to report any allegations of fraud, corruption, and maladministration in the Public Service, to the National Anti-Corruption Hotline at 0800 701 701 (tollfree).
