![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2017/05/suspended-ombudsman.jpg)
Joburg’s African National Congress caucus head and former Joburg mayor, Parks Tau, has accused the recent decision to suspend the City’s ombudsman, Advocate S’du Gumede, as undermining the office for political reasons.
READ: City of Joburg ombudsman suspended
Gumede was suspended following a closed City Council meeting on 9 May following allegations of maladministration.
He told the Randburg Sun on 26 May that he would take the City to the Labour Court on 30 May after negotiations between him and the City did not reach a conclusion.
“Earlier this week we met and agreed that the City would lift my suspension in council, but that did not happen,” he said.
Subsequently, Gumede is proceeding with his urgent application for the court to set aside his suspension.
Tau informed the City Council on 25 May that Gumede’s suspension would be brought to the attention of the public protector.
“This is interference in the office [of the ombudsman] that will destabilise it,” Tau said.
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