Firing an employee because they belong to a different political party than the one, or coalition, in charge of a municipality is not fair. This was the ruling in a recent arbitration case with the South African Local Government Bargaining Council (SALGBC) involving the Bitou municipality, which covers parts of the Garden Route, in the Western Cape.

The dismissal of former Bitou municipality corporate affairs director Misiwe Mpahlwa by the current DA-led ruling coalition has cost the municipality R1 133 436 – the equivalent of one year’s salary.

Mpahlwa was appointed by the then governing ANC alliance in 2021 but was dismissed by the current DA-led ruling coalition in September 2022.

“The reason provided for the dismissal, ‘political dimensions’ is not fair, nor did the respondent [Bitou municipality] dispute this reason as stated by the applicant [Mpahlwa],” says SALBGC Commissioner A Makasi (first name not disclosed).

“Mpahlwa referred a request for arbitration to the SALGBC because her dismissal dispute referral for conciliation to the SALGBC remained unresolved. The arbitration was heard and finalised on February 15.

The SALCBC found that Mpahlwa must be paid compensation of over R1m.

Makasi says it was ordered that the municipality must pay Mpahlwa her compensation no later than March 14, and the payment was subsequently made.