Hundreds of department of cooperative governance and traditional affairs (Cogta) employees marched on premier Phumulo Masualle’s office demanding head of department Stanley Khanyile removal within 24 hours.
In a memorandum handed to Masualle’s chief of staff Lungelo Madlingozi, the workers said they were “sick and tired of Khanyile”.
Khanyile could not be contacted for comment at the time of writing yesterday.
Cogta employees abandoned their offices last Thursday, a day after Khanyile returned to office after being suspended by MEC Fikile Xasa last October.
Khanyile was suspended by Xasa amid investigations on allegations against him and some of his top management personnel.
Allegations included claims of nepotism and contravention of recruitment policies.
Further allegations of senior administrators using their positions to solicit sexual favours from interns and junior employees in exchange for permanent employment and promotions, were also made.
Although findings of the four-member task team that investigated the allegations have not yet been made public, Khanyile was allowed back in office late last month after challenging his suspension with the Public Service Commission (PSC).
The PSC report released in January found Xasa had no authority to suspend Khanyile, saying the suspension was illegal.
It recommended Masualle allow the HoD back to office “with immediate effect”.
Khanyile later went to the labour court to force his bosses to implement recommendations of the PSC.
He later received correspondence informing him that he was welcome to return.
This infuriated employees who said they were not pleased that he was allowed back while findings of the task team have not yet been officially communicated.
They stayed away from their work stations, saying they will continue doing so until Khanyile has been removed again.
In their memorandum handed over by Nehawu chairman in the department Lennox Maho, employees said relations between Khanyile and staff had broken down.
Maho said Khanyile's presence created “an untenable environment”.
Madlingozi yesterday said he later met with union leadership to inform them that Masualle’s office was working on the matter.
He said Khanyile’s suspension was lifted because of “technicalities”. — asandan@dispatch.co.za
Workers call for Khanyile's head
In a memorandum handed to Masualle’s chief of staff Lungelo Madlingozi, the workers said they were “sick and tired of Khanyile”.
Khanyile could not be contacted for comment at the time of writing yesterday.
Cogta employees abandoned their offices last Thursday, a day after Khanyile returned to office after being suspended by MEC Fikile Xasa last October.
Khanyile was suspended by Xasa amid investigations on allegations against him and some of his top management personnel.
Allegations included claims of nepotism and contravention of recruitment policies.
Further allegations of senior administrators using their positions to solicit sexual favours from interns and junior employees in exchange for permanent employment and promotions, were also made.
Although findings of the four-member task team that investigated the allegations have not yet been made public, Khanyile was allowed back in office late last month after challenging his suspension with the Public Service Commission (PSC).
The PSC report released in January found Xasa had no authority to suspend Khanyile, saying the suspension was illegal.
It recommended Masualle allow the HoD back to office “with immediate effect”.
Khanyile later went to the labour court to force his bosses to implement recommendations of the PSC.
He later received correspondence informing him that he was welcome to return.
This infuriated employees who said they were not pleased that he was allowed back while findings of the task team have not yet been officially communicated.
They stayed away from their work stations, saying they will continue doing so until Khanyile has been removed again.
In their memorandum handed over by Nehawu chairman in the department Lennox Maho, employees said relations between Khanyile and staff had broken down.
Maho said Khanyile's presence created “an untenable environment”.
Madlingozi yesterday said he later met with union leadership to inform them that Masualle’s office was working on the matter.
He said Khanyile’s suspension was lifted because of “technicalities”. — asandan@dispatch.co.za
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos