Department Denies Allegations of Interns Joining Official Trips
The Northern Cape Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has denied allegations that a senior official permitted Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) interns to accompany him on regular trips to locations such as Sun City, Johannesburg, and Upington. The department emphasized that the official involved was reportedly reprimanded for the alleged actions.
According to reports, the department is expected to cover travel, subsistence, and accommodation costs for its employees. However, interns are not eligible for these benefits because their names do not appear on the Personnel and Salary System (Persal). This has raised concerns about who would be held accountable if any of the interns were injured or harmed during such trips.
Department spokesperson Conrad Fortune expressed concern over the allegations being circulated. He stated that the claims are baseless and seem to be aimed at damaging the department’s reputation. “These allegations are unfounded and appear to be designed to tarnish the image of the department,” Fortune said.
He explained that all official travel must comply with government guidelines and approved delegations of authority. “Interns and EPWP participants are not permanent employees. Their travel, accommodation, and subsistence expenses can only be funded in accordance with applicable departmental and Treasury regulations.”
Fortune added that interns are funded through the EPWP budget, which is specifically allocated for skills development and work-exposure initiatives. “The participation of interns in official activities must be approved and directly related to their learning and development objectives,” he said.
Selection and Placement of EPWP Staff
“The five EPWP staff members were selected from the group of 81 EPWP employees and assigned to the Ministry, while others were placed at various other departmental facilities throughout the province,” Fortune explained. He also dismissed any insinuations that there were romantic relationships between the official and any of the interns.
“The department has no knowledge or evidence of any personal or inappropriate relationship. Allegations of this nature are entirely unsubstantiated and deliberately intended to mislead the public. These baseless claims are nothing more than a calculated attempt to distort the facts and undermine confidence through disinformation. We categorically reject and condemn such reckless assertions, which lack even the slightest foundation in truth.”
Commitment to Transparency and Accountability
Fortune expressed regret over the spread of false information by certain individuals or groups seeking to advance their own agendas. “We remain committed to transparency and accountability, and we urge the public to disregard these unfounded allegations and rely on verified, factual information,” he said.
He emphasized that the safety and well-being of all employees and interns are a top priority for the department. “Standard procedures apply in the event of any incident involving staff or interns while on duty. The department reiterates its commitment to transparency, accountability, and adherence to all legislative and policy frameworks governing public-service conduct,” Fortune concluded.