POLOKWANE – Allegations of corruption continue to cast a shadow over the Vhembe District Municipality, as the suspended chief of staff in the office of Mayor Freda Nkondo, Nyiko Nkuna, reportedly returned to work on April 1, despite investigations into his conduct remaining unresolved.

Nkuna was placed on a three-month suspension in December 2024, after a video surfaced on social media in which he apparently boasted about appointing his wife to a general worker position within the municipality.

The clip, which went viral, showed Nkuna expressing joy and taking credit for her hiring, prompting widespread criticism.

His wife was reportedly among 141 general workers appointed on November 1 last year, recruited from volunteers and Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) participants across municipalities such as Thulamela, Makhado, Musina and Collins Chabane.

The South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) in the district has publicly condemned Nkuna’s return, calling it premature and questioning the integrity of the process.

Samwu local secretary, Khathu Mapholi, said the union is strongly opposed to any form of corruption.

“We are shocked that he is back at work while investigations are still ongoing. As a union, we are engaging with management, and if no resolution is reached, heads will roll,” warned Mapholi.

He also clarified that Nkuna is not a member of Samwu, but that the union is concerned by the broader implications of allowing individuals under investigation to resume duties, especially in sensitive roles.

VDM spokesperson Matodzi Ralushai, confirmed that initial investigations into Nkuna’s conduct had been concluded.

However, he added that internal disciplinary proceedings are still pending and must follow due process.

According to Ralushai, once the 90-day suspension ended, Nkuna was technically allowed to resume his position unless disciplinary outcomes dictated otherwise.

He acknowledged that the allegations of corruption and nepotism have damaged the public image of the municipality, raising concerns about the transparency and fairness of its recruitment processes.

The EFF issued a strongly worded statement accusing the mayor of interference in the hiring of general workers. EFF regional interim chairperson, Shadrack Hlongwane, criticised “the involvement of political appointees in recruitment panels”, stating that this creates a conflict of interest and undermines fair employment practices.

Despite multiple attempts, Nkuna did not provide comment on the matter, and messages sent to him via WhatsApp were left unanswered. Comment could not immediately be sourced from the mayor.