Hospital worker appears on charge of breach of policy

The disciplinary hearing of Barberton General Hospital worker, Vusi Mlambo, who has been on suspension since May 5, finally took place last Friday.

It was however, postponed until further notice.

Mlambo, who is National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) member, was represented by Edmond Monyai.

At the moment Mlambo’s suspension cannot be connected to specific charges. The department of health’s spokesman, Ronnie Masilela, only told Barberton Times that Mlambo was suspended for breaching one of the department internal policies. He didn’t specify which policy though.

Barberton Times has since learnt that the suspension was allegedly for leaking information to the media about the “jobs for pals” allegations at the public institution last year.

This is after he allegedly called in during a live Ligwalagwala FM current-affairs show. It was broadcast on September 24 last year and the topic was the alleged irregular employment of 38 general workers.

Masilela was a guest on the day. It was reported that during the show, an anonymous caller commented on the alleged unlawful appointments at the hospital.

This act landed Mlambo in hot water. He has already served more than two months in suspension. Masilela, who had previously refused to specify the charges, admitted he was on the show that day.

“Many people called in that day and I don’t know if Mlambo was one of them. I was there to represent the department regarding the allegations of irregular appointments,” he said.

Meanwhile, the four suspended workers who were part of the interviewing panel allegedly implicated in the “jobs-for-pals” scheme, has since been reinstated.

Sunday Myeni and Muzi Shongwe of the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union, Thembi Zulu of the Health and Other Services Personnel Trade Union of South Africa and Edna Godi of the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa, who have been on suspension since last October, returned to work on July 8.