FORMER uMhlathuze Acting Communications Manager Vukile Mathabela, who was dismissed about two months ago, has left the municipality for ‘greener pastures’ at the uThungulu District Municipality.
Mathabela was embroiled in a protracted disciplinary hearing with the municipality after he was first placed on special leave in February pending the outcome of an investigation into alleged misrepresentation of qualifications.
News of his suspension surfaced in April after it was revealed that he did not complete a public relations diploma from the Durban University of Technology- and a further charge of fraud was added in May.
In July, he was given his marching orders following an internal disciplinary proceeding, but appealed the decision which was subsequently dismissed.
However, at a conciliation hearing at the Bargaining Council in August, the municipality subsequently withdrew the dismissal and allowed Mathabela to resign.
Mathabela told the Zululand Observer on Wednesday that he had been reinstated following the Bargaining Council outcome.
‘I decided to resign and move forward because my name had been cleared. At least now there is no record that I was fired,’ said Mathabela.
‘I am currently working as the Manager: Strategic Support in the office of Deputy Mayor of uThungulu, which is a very senior position and very demanding,’ Mathabela said.
Questioned on what basis the municipality withdrew the dismissal and whether new information had surfaced clearing Mathabela, Municipal Manager Dr NJ Sibeko was unable to comment at the time of going to print.
The municipality could not confirm the financial cost to ratepayers as a result of the withdrawal of the dismissal and subsequent legal costs borne by the municipality.
Innocence
Mathabela had always maintained his innocence, stating that he had not misrepresented his qualification when he was appointed as Chief Communications Officer in 2011 and promoted to Acting Communications Manager a year later.
On the latter charge of fraud, Mathabela said he had been charged for signing a booking form to market the City in a government directory when he was on special leave. There had been no exchange of money.
If the municipality’s dismissal stood, Mathabela would not have been able to obtain employment in government circles for the next decade.
According to the Government Gazette, any staff member dismissed for misconduct, including fraud and corruption, may not be re-employed in any municipality for a period of ten years.
