Public barred access to Winkle Sizakala Centre

THE public is being prevented from entering the Sizakala Customer Care Centre in Winklespruit because an employee has been allegedly barred from entering the premises.
Nonhlanhla Cele, a senior supervisor in the buildings department, was standing outside the main gates in Gracedale Road, when the Sun visited the centre about an hour ago.
“I am puzzled that the gates are closed. I have not received a suspension letter, I am still being paid,” she said.
Many irate customers were turned away at the gate. However, some who had managed to get in were having a tough time getting out. A resident, Henry Acker who had gone in to sort out a rates matter, was stuck inside the main gate for an hour, along with several other customers. Security guards only opened the gates when Cele had moved away.
“I don’t understand why the public is being made to suffer. This is an internal matter,” said Nonhlanhla.
Allegations of intimidation were leveled against her, following an incident in Pinetown earlier in the year, where it was alleged she had intimidated five people. “After an internal investigation, I was found not guilty and my suspension was lifted.”
As part of her duties, Nonhlanhla visits a number of Sizakala centres around Durban and has not been denied entry, except at Winklespruit. “This matter is not just an HR issue, but has now become personal.”