Cape Town – The chairperson of Postbank, Thabile Wonci, and several board members have resigned abruptly, citing ongoing negative treatment and hostility from South African Communications Minister Mondli Gungubele.
A leaked letter dated September 12, addressed to Gungubele and shared on social media, expressed frustration over the interference and pressure they faced.
The signatories said that their resignation with immediate effect was prompted by “recent developments and regrettable circumstances” involving their interactions with Gungubele.
“No self-respecting board can perform any meaningful work with the level of interference, undue pressure and influence that we’ve had.
Meanwhile at Postbank, we have a walkout.
Apparently, the Minister’s governance style is apothecarist in nature.#Postbank pic.twitter.com/QYmPTupLiE
— Khaya Sithole (@CoruscaKhaya) September 13, 2023
“This obviously has deeply disturbed us,” read the letter.
They emphasised their commitment to the bank’s mission but said that external interference had reached an intolerable level.
“As the chairperson, together with the board, we have had the utmost privilege of leading the bank with fidelity, honesty, due diligence and with duty of care and skills, often times working beyond the call of duty to ensure that the bank is able to execute its mandate,” the letter said.
The resignation follows technical glitches affecting South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) beneficiaries and comes ahead of a briefing by Gungubele and another minister regarding delayed social grant payments.
The letter’s authenticity and the resigning officials’ comments could not be independently verified at the time of publication.
According to The Citizen, Postbank is an entity of the beleaguered state company SA Post Office, which is under business rescue. Experts contend Postbank lacks the required capacity and technical infrastructure to do the job.
In October 2022, ex-Communications minister Ntshavheni appointed the following five non-executive board directors:
- Ashely Latchu
- Andrew Martin Robert Mahosi
- Vuyelwa Viola Matsiliza
- Letlhogonolo Noge-Thungamirai
- Lebogang Refilwe Mokgabudi
Their term was set to end in 2027.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Picture: Facebook/@Khumbulani-Nene
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
