DURBAN - A new CFO tasked with steering the KwaZulu-Natal Education Department during its financial issues.
But Yali Joyi was met with less than a warm welcome from teacher unions when she started on Tuesday.
This is because she was among four officials suspended from COGTA last year over financial misconduct allegations. She resigned in January, just before a disciplinary hearing and forensic investigation into irregular procurement.
READ: Schools budget | Salaries take lion's share of KZN education budget
KZN Education, MEC Sipho Hlomuka, dismissed the concerns stressing that Joyi was qualified and due processes were followed.
Hlomuka says the provincial cabinet, comprised of the IFP, ANC, DA and NFP approved her appointment. He adds that no report on the COGTA probe was received and that necessary steps will be taken should Joyi be found to have committed wrongdoing.
READ: Education in crisis | Budget cuts delaying KZN school repairs
Ongoing financial issues, including the non-payment of school fees, plague the KZN education department. And critics argue that Joyi's appointment does little to inspire confidence that the department is serious about alleviating them.
Analysts say it has become common to recycle officials, even those embroiled in controversy.
Teacher unions are threatening to escalate their calls to the Public Protector and the Public Service Commission if Joyi isn't removed.