Arts and culture DG ends tenure after suspension

Johannesburg - Arts and culture director general Sibusiso Xaba will leave at the end of the month after reaching a settlement agreement with the department, the ministry said on Thursday.

"Mr Xaba was placed on suspension in 2014, pending a forensic investigation on irregular expenditure and non-adherence to procedure, among other reasons," it said in a statement.

"The suspension followed an alarming audit report by the auditor general on the department of arts and culture, presented last year and covering the 2013/14 financial year, ending on 31 March 2014."

The report had identified the severity and growth of irregular spending, non-adherence to procedures, and possible lack of action against officials who made or permitted irregular spending.

The ministry the auditor general report had prompted the minister to launch a forensic investigation.

"The ministry thanks Mr Xaba for his contribution over the past few years and wishes him well in his future endeavours."