Suspended UIF Commissioner Teboho Maruping.
Image: Supplied
The Democratic Alliance has written to the Minister of Employment and Labour after it was revealed that Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) Commissioner, Teboho Maruping earned R1.4 million despite being placed on precautionary suspension a year ago.
Maruping was placed on suspension in September last year for his alleged involvement in a R5 billion contract with Thuja Holdings and the UIF.
In a statement issued at the time, the Ministry said the agreement was declared invalid and set aside in May 2024.
Responding to a Parliamentary question by the DA's Michael Bagraim, the Ministry said Maruping was still employed by the UIF, as its Commissioner.
The Ministry further stated that Maruping is still subject to the disciplinary process.
"The official is expected to submit heads of argument on October 12, 2025, and a hearing will convene on October 20," the Ministry said.
When asked about the remuneration Maruping was receiving during his suspension, the Ministry confirmed that during the time of his suspension, he had received R1 413 878,95.
Bagraim said the DA is demanding answers as to why the disciplinary process against Maruping has dragged on for over one year.
"We want to know why this matter has taken to so long to finalise and whether the department has a clear timeline for handling disciplinary cases. We also want to know who is responsible for allowing such costly delays to continue unchecked," he said.
Maruping was also suspended in 2020 following a report by the Auditor-General found irregularities with the payment of COVID-19 Temporary Employer-Employee Relief Scheme.
He was, however, found not to have benefited from the matter and resumed his duties in February 2022.
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