Teachers’ unions have raised serious concerns over the appointment of Yali Joli as the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education, citing unresolved allegations of financial misconduct.
The department announced Joli’s appointment on Tuesday, highlighting her previous role as CFO at the provincial Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA). However, Joli resigned from that position earlier this year before a probe into alleged financial misconduct was concluded.
The National Teachers’ Union (NATU) expressed shock over the decision, especially in light of the department’s ongoing financial challenges. In a statement, NATU said the move undermines the principle of good governance.
The National Professional Teachers’ Organisation of South Africa (NAPTOSA) echoed those concerns. Provincial spokesperson Thirona Moodley questioned the department’s rationale behind hiring Joli.
“The allegations against her were never tested before her resignation and will continue to hang over her unless addressed. The department must justify this appointment,” said Moodley. “As the largest education department in the country with a complex budget, the integrity of any CFO must be beyond reproach. Unfortunately, this is not the case here.”
The Department of Education has not yet publicly responded to the criticism.