SECUNDA – Mr Bongumusa Sithole, Chief Financial Officer (CFO), have been reinstated in his position after he won the case against the Govan Mbeki Municipality.
The Council apparently did not go to the CCMA to present their case, so it was dismissed and the ruling was that Mr Sithole should go back to work.
It is alleged that on his return, Mr Sithole received a letter that the Council was intending to suspend him again.
He then took the matter to the high court where he also won.
Mr Sithole was appointed by the municipality as the CFO in August 2017.
In March, Mr Sithole was suspended for alleged fraudulent payments.
It is alleged Mr Sithole paid companies without following the proper procedure.
The amount involved is estimated at R3,5 million.
It is also alleged that this matter was one of the chief contributors which led to the recall of the former mayor, Ms Florah Maboa- Boltman, because this happened under her watch.
The Economic Freedom Fighters have raised their concern about how the Council is handling the matter.
The party said it is not impressed that although Mr Sithole is reinstated in his position, his powers are shifted to the municipal manager.
Mr Humphrey Dube, EFF councillor, said the municipality must accept that it has lost the case and they must adhere to the ruling of the court and the CCMA.
“The only thing that we should look closely at now, is why do they want to control the CFO?
“The legal team must also account why they failed to advise the municipality correctly.
“We are following this matter closely to ensure that things are done correctly.”
Mr Nhlakanipho Zuma, Speaker of the Council, said he cannot comment at this stage as the executive has not yet presented the development of the case before council.
Other residents raised their concerns and alleged that there were two CFO’s in the municipality.
Mr Benzi Soko, chief of staff, said the allegation that the Govan Mbeki Municipality has two CFOs, is a misconception and untrue.
“The municipality has one Chief Financial Officer and his name is Mr Bongumusa Sithole who was duly appointed in accordance with the stipulations of the legislative framework.
“If a senior manager is alleged to have committed a misconduct, the Council must institute disciplinary proceedings.
“In this matter, a case was opened and no further information can be provided at this stage due to the fact that this issue is receiving the attention of relevant authorities.
“We therefore appeal to the Fourth Estate to allow the municipality space and time to process all matters related to this issue after which, the information will be provided to relevant stakeholders in a proper manner.”
Also read:
https://www.citizen.co.za/ridge-times/110136/govan-mbeki-municipality-suspends-chief-financial-officer/
