Accusations that a senior post at the Endumeni Municipality has been ‘tailor-made’ and ‘bulldozed through’ for a handpicked candidate have been emphatically denied by Council Speaker Sduduzo Mdluli.
The Courier received the extensive allegations from Pravesh Bisram – himself a former Councillor and who later worked on a short-term contract at the municipality.
Mr Bisram said he contacted Lionel Pienaar, an official at the Department of Corporate Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) to lodge an objection to the position being filled. He claims that the position has been made for Desiga Padayachee – current acting Corporate Services Manager.
Mr Bisram went on to say that Council ‘has flouted its own recruitment policies, as the matter should have been referred to the executive Council for approval prior to being advertised’.
He also objected to the position not being advertised externally.
He went on to say that the ‘racist e-mail saga’ that shocked the municipality in May had seen Mr Padayachee deny allegations that he wrote the e-mail. The allegations were accompanied by a poster campaign directed at Mr Padaychee, who strenuously denied the allegations and it said was all part of a ‘dirty tricks campaign against those who previously caused chaos at the municipality who were facing disciplinary action or had been suspended’.
However, Mr Bisram appeared to again apportion blame to Mr Padayachee, although it is understood that a forensic investigation is underway into the municipal computer system. Another employee has been suspended pending the outcome.
Mr Bisram said Speaker Mdluli was ‘helping to support Mr Padyachee to get the job of Senior Manager: Corporate Services’.
He also claimed Mr Padayachee had offered him ‘money to influence people to support his appointment, while the Speaker verbally threatened me after I contacted COGTA’.
In an interview with the Courier, Mr Padayachee and Speaker Mdluli warned that legal action might be taken if the defamatory remarks against them continue.
“It is clear that all this is mischief-making and plain lies. The fact is that, unlike in previous administration over the past nine months, Council is now sticking to its laid-down policies.
“The issue was discussed at the executive Council meeting in April, and referred to full Council where a decision was taken to advertise the post internally,” said Speaker Mdluli.
“There were four applications. The applicants have been interviewed by an independent panel at the Umzinyathi District Municipality to ensure the matter is procedurally correct.
Righting the wrongs
“It is Council’s wish to stabilise the administration and to right the wrongs done. A part of this is filling vacant positions in the correct manner.”
He added that in December an external position for a sanitation services manager had been advertised, and ‘included tailored-made requirements’ for an official. The appointment was one of 25 overturned and declared as illegal, following the re-suspension of Municipal Manager TP Biyela.
“What we find strange is that Mr Bisram was acutely silent about this. He is very selective, and is probably hoping to get some kind of job at the municipality, even though many in the community said his own appointment was very unfair at the time.”
Asked about him ‘threatening’ Mr Bisram, Speaker Mdluli said it was ‘laughable’.
“I asked to meet with him to discuss his concerns. He appears to be confused.”
Mr Padayachee said it was puzzling that he would offer Mr Bisram money to get the appointment.
“I am quite capable of applying for the job on merit.
“I am studying towards my degree and I am presently acting in a position that is higher than the one I have applied for. Why would I want someone who himself cannot get a job at the municipality to use his influence? Clearly there is a hidden agenda somewhere.”
