Vuyiseka Mboxela, the Eastern Cape Department of Education's director of communications, returned to her office on 4 November despite her suspension being extended to 26 November. The department condemned her actions as insolent and vowed to take decisive measures. This defiance follows complaints about her treatment of staff and an ongoing disciplinary investigation.
On Monday, 4 November 2025, Vuyiseka Mboxela unexpectedly appeared at her workplace in the Eastern Cape Department of Education, defying her precautionary suspension. The suspension, initially imposed due to complaints from staff about her treatment of subordinates, had been extended to 26 November by the presiding officer at her disciplinary hearing on 24 October.
Mboxela announced her return on social media the previous day, using official department letterhead. She claimed she had only received a 'one-liner' from a law firm notifying her of the extension. 'I know for a fact that such an instruction is against the law, and I do not want to be listed amongst senior managers that are seated at home while getting paid huge salaries by the government,' she stated. Mboxela argued she was complying with the Public Service Act and the Public Service handbook, asserting that her suspension was communicated 'unofficially' after a meeting between department officials and the trade union Nehawu, without her response being heard. She added that, two months after the suspension, she had not received a list of the grievances against her. A photo of her at her office desk accompanied her post.
The department responded swiftly on Tuesday, issuing a statement from acting director of communications Nyameka Mgijima and media liaison officer Mali Mtima. 'The department wishes to categorically state that Ms Mboxela is still on suspension pending the investigation and conclusion of her case by the department,' it read. The statement confirmed her presence on the premises violated suspension conditions and described her behaviour as 'insolent.' 'Indeed, Ms Mboxela was seen around the premises of the employer, contravening the conditions of her suspension. The department will exercise its powers to decisively deal with the insolent behaviour demonstrated by Ms Mboxela,' it added.
Disciplinary processes were initiated after complaints reached the executive authority regarding her treatment of reporting officials. An investigation is part of the ongoing process. The department accused Mboxela of defying the decision, violating legislation, defaming the head of department on media platforms, and providing inaccurate information about internal processes, thereby bringing disrepute to the department. It condemned her 'lawlessness' and committed to protecting the integrity of the executive authority and department.
This is not Mboxela's first suspension; in 2023, she was suspended following a video of a heated argument with a co-worker that circulated on social media. She attributed it to overreacting to workplace bullying and agreed to an employee wellness programme.