Manager in the Mayor’s office placed under ‘precautionary suspension’
Another two senior managers were also allegedly issued with letters of suspension.
The manager in the Mayor’s Office has been placed under ‘precautionary suspension’.
According to a municipal source, Melusi Ndima (manager in the Office of the Mayor, Cllr Xolani Dube) was hired approximately a month ago.
A letter to place Ndima ‘under precautionary suspension pending a disciplinary action for alleged misconduct’ was served this week (January 3, 2022).
The instruction and decision to suspend Ndima was issued by Acting Municipal Manager, Vish Govender.
The Newcastle Advertiser has seen a copy of the letter, which alleges that Ndima:
- refused to obey a lawful instruction
- was insubordinate
- issued instructions to the Human Resources Department, without having the authority to do so, and
- stopped a planned roadblock for the festive season, without having the authority to do so.
According to the letter, Ndima has been suspended with full remuneration.
Mlungisi Khumalo, Head of Communications for the Newcastle Municipality, confirmed he was made aware of the suspension by the municipal manager.
“Unfortunately, the municipality cannot dwell on the merits of the suspension of the manager,” said Khumalo.
He added that the municipality could not discuss labour-matter related issues or suspensions, as it was a ‘sensitive matter between the employer and employee’.
“In such instances, the involved parties are given the space to deal with such issues internally. The media is usually informed when such matters are at a conclusive stage,” concluded Khumalo.
Another two senior officials were also issued with letters of suspension this week.
One, for allegedly failing to disclose crucial information, and the other for impersonating an accounting officer at an Exco meeting, without the authority to do so.
The Newcastle Advertiser has spoken to Ndima, who declined to comment officially.
Mayor, Cllr Xolani Dube was also given the opportunity to comment, but failed to respond at the time of publication.
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