An independent investigation into the conduct that led to the suspension of controversial defence department arms procurement chief Shamin "Chippy" Shaik must still get under way, said officials on Monday.

Defence Minister Mosiuoa Lekota suspended Shaik on November 19 for allegedly disclosing confidential information to unauthorised recipients, without authorisation and in violation of the Defence Act.

"Mr Shaik... will not be allowed to enter any military installation, office or the headquarters of the department of defence," said Lekota at the time.

Shaik was also barred from having contact with officials dealing with arms procurement.

Lekota said the alleged transgression was committed between October 1 and November 1 this year.

Shaik was suspended with full pay pending the outcome of this investigation.

Lekota also said he had asked Public Service and Administration Minister Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi to conduct an independent investigation into the allegations.

Fraser-Moleketi's spokesperson Tembela Kulu said on Monday the terms of reference of the investigation were still being finalised.

A team to investigate the allegations also had yet to be announced.

A disciplinary hearing at which charges would be put to Shaik and where he would be able to defend his conduct, as required by the Labour Relations Act, would only be held once the investigation was finalised, said defence ministry spokesperson Sam Mkhwanazi.

No timeframe has been set and with Christmas about two weeks away it is unlikely that any further developments will take place before the new year.

In terms of labour law practice, employees can only be suspended in the most serious of cases and then only with full benefits.

Employers otherwise run the risk of being accused of unfair suspension.