Suspended managers part ways with municipality

Two of three senior managers of Polo­kwa­ne Municipality suspended some three months ago and destined to face disciplinary hearings on charges of misconduct, have entered into settlement agreements with their employer. Molatelo Rapetsoa, Director Transportation Services and California Phanyane, Director Corporate and Shared Services, will no longer be subjected to disciplinary hearings.
Tidimalo Chuene, Communications and Marketing Manager of the municipality, confirmed that the contracts of Rapetsoa and Phanyane would have expired early in 2016 and that Council opted on settlement to cut possible legal costs, had the matter been pursued further. “Due processes are still underway with the Chief Finance Officer, Fikile Mudau and finality on her matter will be communicated once finalised,” Chuene reported.
In reaction, Frank Haas, Democratic Alliance (DA) Caucus Leader, said that the DA condemns the municipality’s decision to settle with the officials, without reserving the right to institute criminal and civil action against them for contraventions of legislation and losses incurred. This follows after Franco Marx, DA councillor, requested that the agreement tabled in Council on 3 November should not be approved without making provision for the right to institute further action. “Unfortunately the ANC led council with its majority approved the settlement agreement without any amendments, therefore effectively giving the employees a ‘golden handshake’ without them been held accountable for the alleged disciplinary charges against them,” Haas said.

Story: BARRY VILJOEN
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Photo: Left: Molatelo Rapetsoa, Director Transportation Services. Right: California Phanyane, Director Corporate and Shared Services.