Makana quietly placed its human resources manager on suspension last month, following complaints from municipal workers' union Samwu.

Questioning details on Pumla Qezu's application form and accusing her of nepotism, a memorandum from the union dated 23 October 2012 demanded an investigation into the address she recorded on her application form and accused her of 'employing friends and relatives'.

Makana quietly placed its human resources manager on suspension last month, following complaints from municipal workers' union Samwu.

Questioning details on Pumla Qezu's application form and accusing her of nepotism, a memorandum from the union dated 23 October 2012 demanded an investigation into the address she recorded on her application form and accused her of 'employing friends and relatives'.

Makana's Recruitment and Selection Policy emphasises the need to employ local residents.

Ordered by Executive Mayor Zamuxolo Peter to investigate these and a range of other allegations, director of corporate services Mzukisi Madlavu compiled a report.

It is this undated report Grocott's Mail has in its possession.

Listing complaints about Qezu's attitude, the labour union further accused the political leadership and senior management of the municipality of "failing to deal with the misconduct of the HR manager, even when the interests of the Municipality are at stake".

The mayor's response, as noted in the report, was to order an "urgent" independent investigation.

This was in October.

Now rumours that Qezu has been suspended have been confirmed. "She is indeed suspended," municipal spokesperson Mncedisi Boma said yesterday.

He would not comment further on the details, however.

Acting municipal manager Thembinkosi Myalato said Qezu had been suspended indefinitely and that the municipality must instigate charges within 90 days.

He said Corporate Services director Mzukisi Madlavu was currently acting human resources manager.

Myalato would not speak about Qezu's suspension.

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