Suspended ombudsman continues to get paid while legal battle is marred by delays
JOBURG – The case between suspended City of Joburg Ombudsman, Advocate Sdu Gumede and the City postponed again at the Labour Court.
Another postponement was granted in the Labour Court on 13 June, in the matter between the suspended City of Joburg Ombudsman, Advocate Sdu Gumede and the City. Gumede filed an urgent labour court application, in a bid to have his suspension set aside on the grounds that it is unlawful.
Gumede’s legal counsel, Jayson Kent expressed his dissatisfaction with the latest delay, highlighting that is was frustrating. According to Kent, the latest delay was due to the alleged failure by the legal team for the City to submit papers on agreed timelines.
The first postponement was granted on 30 May, after both parties agreed to postpone the matter in order to allow a council meeting to take place, where it was expected that a decision would be made on Gumede’s suspension.
It is understood that during a council meeting held on 8 June, it was decided that disciplinary proceedings must be initiated against Gumede and another suspended senior manager.
Gumede is on a fully paid suspension. The matter is expected to be heard in the Labour Court on 15 June, as Gumede will be challenging his suspension.
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