The Public Service Commission (PSC) is preparing to open a criminal case with the South African Police Service (SAPS) over social media claims about its chairperson, Professor Somadoda Fikeni, and an alleged collection of cars, which the institution has dismissed as false and defamatory.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the commission said it was investigating who was behind the social media posts, which it believes were intended to damage Fikeni’s reputation.
The PSC told African Times that Fikeni owns only one old car, rejecting the claims circulating online about his alleged car collection.
The controversy comes as the commission continues its constitutional mandate of promoting ethical conduct, accountability and clean governance in the public service.
The PSC said the allegations were baseless and accused those circulating them of deliberately misleading the public.
“The Public Service Commission (PSC) has noted with serious concern the false, defamatory and malicious claims being circulated on social media platforms regarding Professor Somadoda Fikeni and his alleged car collection,” the commission said.
It added that it would open a criminal case against those responsible for distributing the information.
“The PSC will be opening a criminal case with the South African Police Service against those responsible for distributing this false information,” it said.
The commission did not identify the individuals behind the posts or provide details about when the alleged car collection claims first emerged.
It said it was investigating the origin of the social media content and urged members of the public to verify information before sharing it.
The PSC defended Fikeni’s record, describing him as an ethical leader who had served the public with integrity and commitment.
It rejected suggestions that he had accumulated an ostentatious collection of vehicles, saying such claims were inconsistent with his values and lifestyle.
However, the allegations have placed the spotlight on the importance of verifying claims about public officials, particularly those responsible for promoting accountability and ethical conduct in government.
The commission emphasised that its chairperson and commissioners were subject to requirements governing ethical conduct, declarations of interests and accountability.
“Professor Fikeni, like all Commissioners, complies fully with these requirements,” the statement said.
The PSC also suggested that the claims could be an attempt to divert attention from its work investigating maladministration and promoting clean governance.
It said attempts to discredit the commission’s leadership would not deter it from carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.
The institution warned that it reserved the right to pursue further legal action to protect its integrity.
It also appealed to members of the public to report disinformation and rely on credible sources when assessing claims circulating on social media.
The commission’s decision to approach the police means the matter could be investigated to establish who created or distributed the disputed posts and whether any criminal offence was committed.
The outcome will depend on the evidence gathered by investigators.
At the time of publication, the PSC had not disclosed the identities of those suspected of being behind the posts, nor had it provided details of the evidence supporting its assertion that the allegations were false.
African Times also did not have independent evidence establishing the existence of the alleged car collection.
The commission’s statement did not detail whether the claims had been formally submitted to Fikeni for a response before being circulated online.
The PSC urged South Africans to exercise caution when sharing unverified information, particularly allegations that could damage an individual’s reputation.
While the commission maintains that the claims against its chairperson are false, the planned criminal case and ongoing inquiry into the source of the posts are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding their circulation.
The PSC said it remained committed to promoting ethical leadership, accountability and good governance across the public service.
