SECUNDA – Ms Jane Gwebu, municipal official of the finance department, vowed to try all legal routes to ensure that Ms Thandi Ngxonono, executive mayor of Govan Mbeki Municipality, has her day in court.
She accused her of slapping her in the face which led to serious injuries.
Ms Gwebu received a message during her tea break recently that Ms Ngxonono wanted to see her.
She immediately went to the mayor’s office.
Ms Ethel Nkosi, MMC for Planning and Development, was also in the office.
Ms Gwebu alleged that Ms Ngxonono was furious and that she accused her of gossiping about her.
“I told her that the allegations were untrue, but she persisted and swore at me.
“All hell broke loose when she saw me looking at my phone and instructed me to put it down.
“She then instructed Ms Nkosi to leave the office, whereafter she slapped me.”
Ms Gwebu said she is still traumatised and is afraid to go back to work.
She is also confused over the police not taking any action.
“I was booked off by the doctor and am getting therapy.
“It is also stressful that the police have not yet arrested the mayor.
“I do not fully understand their reason, but I hope justice will be served.”
Sakhisizwe Progressive Movement (Sapromo) said they were disturbed to hear about the allegations against the mayor.
Mr Sibusiso Hlolweni, president of Sapromo, said these allegations did not only tarnish Ms Ngxonono’s image, but that of the municipality as well.
“It is said that the mayor is involved with employees, which she should not do.
“She is not an administrator, but a political head.
“It is not for her to reprimand employees as they are not reporting to her.
“She must report every kind of bad behaviour to the municipal manager who should deal with his employees.
“This means some people do not understand their roles and it is very embarrassing. If the management is confused, the whole body cannot operate properly.
“In the meantime Sapromo suggests that an acting mayor is appointed to give Ngxonono some time to deal with the court case.
“We cannot have a leader who has a cloud hanging over her. We love the current mayor as a person, but we cannot sacrifice the integrity of this institution.”
Ms Ngxonono said she could not comment.
https://www.citizen.co.za/ridge-times/118006/govan-mbeki-municipalitys-executive-mayor-facing-assault-charges/
