Municipal official back after 6- month suspension

IT’S been a week since municipal official, Bheki Mkhonza, returned from suspension and he is back in the doghouse again.

The supply chain manager at AbaQulusi municipality returned to work last week following a six month paid-suspension.

It is believed that Mr Mkhonza was suspended in January after allegations that proper supply chain procedures were not being followed.

A commissioner of the Bargaining Council found that Mr Mkhonza’s suspension was unfair and ordered that it be lifted. The municipality was ordered to pay Mr Mkhonza R180 000 for unfair labour practice, and has also been instructed to pay Mr Mkhonza’s legal costs.

“A hearing was held for Mr Mkhonza in May and the charges against him were withdrawn. After the withdrawal of the charges, we challenged the suspension and we were successful,” said Mr Mkhonza’s attorney, Themba Nxumalo.

This week, however, Mr Mkhonza, has been instructed by ‘acting municipal manager’, Bongiwe Mnikathi, to present himself in Durban for another disciplinary hearing.

“I feel that this also constitutes unfair labour practice,” complained Mr Mkhonza. “It seems unfair that I am employed in Vryheid but I have been instructed to present myself for a disciplinary in Durban. I am consulting with my lawyer about this.”

It is also questionable whether Ms Mnikathi has the authority to request a disciplinary hearing after the MEC for Cogta, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, warned that it was illegal for Ms Mnikathi to continue to hold the position of acting municipal manager.

Regardless of this turn of events, Mr Mkhonza , says he is happy to be back at work. “This has affected me and my family big time. Not only did we have to live with the uncertainty of not knowing what was going to happen, this has also cost me in terms of potential job opportunities. I really feel that the fact that this is happening for a second time indicates that there is a personal vendetta against me.”

Asked what would contribute toward the ideal working environment at the municipality Mr Mkhonza unhesitatingly pointed out that a permanently appointed municipal manager, with the skills to steer the municipality in the right direction, would make the biggest difference.