Eastern Cape premier Phumulo Masualle has agreed to a settlement to relieve suspended education superintendent-general Mthunywa Ngonzo of his duties.
The Daily Dispatch understands that an amount to be paid as part of the settlement has not yet been decided.
Education MEC Mandla Makupula suspended Ngonzo in 2014 for charges related to allegations of mismanagement of a R46-million school furniture tender.
The tender was awarded to 14 companies but the Bhisho High Court set it aside in March in 2014 after it ruled the tender had been awarded irregularly and unlawfully.
Ngonzo challenged his suspension in court, stating that Makupula did not have the powers to do so and that it rested with the premier.
The court ruled in Ngonzo’s favour only in relation to the issue of the Makupula’s powers. But the court did not rule on the validity of the charges brought against him. He was then placed on special leave by Masualle in December last year.
Provincial education spokesman Loyiso Pulumani yesterday referred questions to Masualle’s office.
Provincial government spokesman Sizwe Kupelo confirmed that a settlement had been reached between the two parties, on the insistence of Ngonzo’s legal team.
Kupelo said that Ngonzo’s lawyers made the proposal on Tuesday, ahead of the disciplinary hearing scheduled for yesterday.
“Ngonzo was facing three serious charges levelled against him by the Office of the Premier … he requested a meeting through his legal representative to discuss an amicable separation and settlement.
“He was advised to make a formal proposal at the disciplinary today, which he did. The proposal was discussed and the parties agreed on the basis of employee-employer relations.”
He said he was not at liberty to divulge the contents of the settlement, but stressed the criminal investigation against Ngonzo would continue.
“This settlement does not affect any possible criminal allegations and charges against Mr Ngonzo. Such allegations are currently being handled by the Hawks,” said Kupelo.
Ngonzo’s lawyer, Vuyani Majebe of Dyushu Majebe Attorneys, confirmed yesterday that an agreement had been reached with Masualle.
“The matter has been settled. Mr Ngonzo will not be returning to education. He wished the Eastern Cape education department all the best.”
Majebe said he was not aware of any criminal charges against Ngonzo. — msindisif@dispatch.co.za
Education boss quits after discipline deal
The Daily Dispatch understands that an amount to be paid as part of the settlement has not yet been decided.
Education MEC Mandla Makupula suspended Ngonzo in 2014 for charges related to allegations of mismanagement of a R46-million school furniture tender.
The tender was awarded to 14 companies but the Bhisho High Court set it aside in March in 2014 after it ruled the tender had been awarded irregularly and unlawfully.
Ngonzo challenged his suspension in court, stating that Makupula did not have the powers to do so and that it rested with the premier.
The court ruled in Ngonzo’s favour only in relation to the issue of the Makupula’s powers. But the court did not rule on the validity of the charges brought against him. He was then placed on special leave by Masualle in December last year.
Provincial education spokesman Loyiso Pulumani yesterday referred questions to Masualle’s office.
Provincial government spokesman Sizwe Kupelo confirmed that a settlement had been reached between the two parties, on the insistence of Ngonzo’s legal team.
Kupelo said that Ngonzo’s lawyers made the proposal on Tuesday, ahead of the disciplinary hearing scheduled for yesterday.
“Ngonzo was facing three serious charges levelled against him by the Office of the Premier … he requested a meeting through his legal representative to discuss an amicable separation and settlement.
“He was advised to make a formal proposal at the disciplinary today, which he did. The proposal was discussed and the parties agreed on the basis of employee-employer relations.”
He said he was not at liberty to divulge the contents of the settlement, but stressed the criminal investigation against Ngonzo would continue.
“This settlement does not affect any possible criminal allegations and charges against Mr Ngonzo. Such allegations are currently being handled by the Hawks,” said Kupelo.
Ngonzo’s lawyer, Vuyani Majebe of Dyushu Majebe Attorneys, confirmed yesterday that an agreement had been reached with Masualle.
“The matter has been settled. Mr Ngonzo will not be returning to education. He wished the Eastern Cape education department all the best.”
Majebe said he was not aware of any criminal charges against Ngonzo. — msindisif@dispatch.co.za
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