In a recent press release, Solly Msimanga, Democratic Alliance Gauteng leader and spokesperson for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs raised an issue concerning the Mogale City Local Municipality (MCLM) Human Resources Manager, Keobokile Mosweu.
Msimanga called on Lebogang Maile, Gauteng MEC for Human Settlements, Urban Planning and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs to investigate the appointment, saying that, “This follows Maile’s revelations that Mogale City’s Municipal Manager was not aware that Mosweu was fired from the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) as no verification checks were conducted on his work history. However, Mosweu did disclose to the interview panel that he had labour-related issues with his former employer which were sub judice [a particular matter is under trial or being considered by a judge or court]”.
The News requested a response from the MCLM, whereupon Ratha Ramathlape, Executive Manager of Corporate Support simply said, “Mr Keobokile E Mosweu is indeed appointed as Human Resource Management Manager. The municipality will put systems in place to ensure that background checks are done.”
Msimanga further said, “The fact that the panel proceeded with the interviews and recommended Mosweu for the position despite disclosing labour issues with his former employer, raises serious suspicions,” and that, “We are in possession of a document which indicates that Mosweu was fired from SABC on 19 February 2019 on four charges, two of which are for gross dishonesty, abuse of power and failure to act in the best interests of the company, and breach of clause 6.2.1 of the code of business ethics. This clearly indicates that Mosweu lied to the interview panel that his matter with his former employer was sub judice while knowing that he had been fired.”
The MCLM was asked whether the reported charges against Mosweu were of concern to them, and whether the like impacts the MCLM’s hiring decisions in general, to which Ramathlape responded, “No. During his interview, Mr Mosweu disclosed about a matter outstanding with his previous employer.”
On whether the MCLM would consider terminating Mosweu’s appointment in light of the accusations, Ramathlape said, “No, Mr Mosweu has been employed for over a year and has performed his duties well and to the satisfaction of the municipality”.
Msimanga lastly said, “We will be writing to MEC Maile, giving him 30 days to investigate whether proper procedures were followed in hiring Mosweu, why no vetting process was conducted, whether he is fit to hold the position despite being fired from the SABC, and what actions he will take should he find that the appointment was irregular”.
