Johannesburg - The agriculture department on Tuesday dismissed reports that it was planning to pay its suspended director general a R2.5 million golden handshake.
“Contrary to what has been reported, calculations into Mr Langa's package have not yet been done. These calculations will be confirmed by the department of public service and administration,” spokeswoman Palesa Mokomele said on Tuesday.
She said Minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson and her suspended director general Langa Zita had “mutually agreed to part ways amicably”.
“The redetermination of Mr Zita's contract has been endorsed by the minister for public service and administration (Lindiwe Sisulu).”
The Democratic Alliance earlier said Zita would receive a R2.5 million parting payment from the department.
“This handshake will allegedly comprise nine months' full salary and 30 percent of each month's salary until the end of his contract, which was set to expire in 2014,” DA MP Annette Steyn said.
Zita was suspended in June for “administrative reasons”.
“The public has the right to know why he has been suspended and what steps are being taken to resolve whatever issue led to his suspension.”
The matter would be added to a list of complaints submitted to Public Protector Thuli Madonsela about Joemat-Pettersson, Steyn said. - Sapa