The commissioner of the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), Teboho Maruping, remains on precautionary suspension following his involvement in the controversial R5 billion contract with Thuja Holdings. The contract, which was annulled by the Pretoria High Court, has led to ongoing legal challenges, including a dismissed appeal at the Supreme Court of Appeal.
Maruping was suspended in September of last year after the contract was set aside. His suspension follows a final warning issued in connection with the Covid-19 Temporary Employer-Employee Relief Scheme (TERS), which has also raised concerns within the UIF. Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth confirmed that Maruping will stay on suspension until his disciplinary hearing is concluded, though no specific timeline has been provided due to delays in scheduling hearings.
Meth emphasized that the suspension was necessary to prevent any potential interference or intimidation of witnesses, some of whom are employees of the UIF. The ongoing disciplinary hearing, which is based on allegations outlined in a charge sheet dated September 2024, has seen its dates set for mid-February and early March of 2025. Maruping has contested his suspension at the General Public Service Sectoral Bargaining Council (GPSSBC), and the matter remains pending.
In response to questions from DA MP Michael Bagraim, Meth outlined the seriousness of the charges against Maruping, which include dishonesty, recklessness, and negligence related to his duties. The disciplinary action was initiated after an independent forensic investigation uncovered allegations regarding Maruping’s involvement in the unlawful conclusion of the UIF-Thuja agreement. The charge sheet noted that Maruping’s conduct breached both his employment contract and statutory provisions under the UIF Act.
This is not the first time Maruping has faced suspension. In the 2021/2022 financial year, he was placed on precautionary suspension due to irregularities in the appointment of media houses to promote the Covid-19 TERS. While the disciplinary hearing found that Maruping did not personally benefit from the scheme in a corrupt or fraudulent manner, he was sanctioned with a final written warning and a one-month suspension without pay for the irregular appointments.
As Maruping’s disciplinary process continues, the UIF and the Department of Employment and Labour remain focused on resolving the matter as soon as possible, with all parties involved working to ensure the case is concluded without further delays.
