Suspended public servants are costing the state an estimated R800 million annually. Pic AIG
Thokozile Mnguni
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has raised concern over what it describes as a growing crisis of suspended public servants, warning that the practice is costing the state an estimated R800 million annually.
In a statement issued today, the party said the figures point to serious weaknesses in disciplinary systems across government, driven by corruption, political interference and administrative delays.
The EFF cites a Public Service Commission report indicating that 674 officials are currently suspended across national and provincial departments, with more than 500 of them exceeding the 90 day suspension limit.
It further highlights a case in the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, where a deputy director allegedly received more than R5 million after being suspended in 2018 and later found guilty of financial misconduct.
Public Service Commission Chairperson Somadoda Fikeni has reportedly warned that some suspensions have lasted up to 12 years, which the EFF says reflects a collapse in consequence management systems.
The party argues that the current arrangement results in government paying both suspended officials and acting replacements, placing additional pressure on already constrained public finances.
It also points to cases within the South African Police Service, including matters involving Minister Senzo Mchunu and National Commissioner Fannie Masemola, as examples of prolonged suspensions and acting appointments without final disciplinary outcomes.
At local government level, the EFF refers to suspended Emfuleni municipal officials who allegedly received millions while not actively working, as well as Nelson Mandela Bay City Manager Noxolo Nqwazi, whose suspension reportedly cost about R5.8 million over nearly three years.
The party says extended suspensions are increasingly being used to shield politically connected officials and delay accountability processes, while essential services continue to operate under severe budget constraints.
It has called for urgent reforms to disciplinary procedures to ensure faster resolution of cases, stronger accountability mechanisms, and reduced financial waste linked to prolonged suspensions in the public sector.