The Makana Council has condoned the late tabling of a complaint of misconduct against one of its directors.
The Makana Council has condoned the late tabling of a complaint of misconduct against one of its directors.
The director is accused of victimising a junior employee.
On 12 January a formal grievance was lodged against director of corporate services Mzukisi Madlavu by a young woman employed on contract as an intern.
The complaint was submitted as a confidential item by acting municipal manager Busi Khumalo to the special council meeting on Thursday 29 January.
Madlavu allegedly sent an SMS the intern, who felt it constituted an abuse of power. In the agenda item, of which Grocott's Mail is in possession,
Khumalo described the allegation as very serious.
Referring to the Code of Good Practice on handling Sexual Harassment, Khumalo said, "When such allegations are brought to the attention of the employer it is required that the employer act upon those allegations without delay.
"It should be brought to the attention of the Council that Mr Madlavu has been formally advised about the grievance lodged against him," Khumalo said.
Makana administrator Pam Yako confirmed last week there had been a grievance laid against a manager.
"It is true. We are still investigating," Yako told Grocott's Mail on Thursday 22 January.
"Unfortunately we cannot divulge the name."
The council was also informed that the seven-day period to table the matter was due last Wednesday.
"The acting municipal manager has sought legal advice on how the matter should be processed in light of the municipality being under administration and more so that the functionary concerned falls within the terms of reference of the administrator."
Khumalo recommended that an independent and external investigator in the matter. She recommended that a report be submitted to the office of the municipal manager within 30 days.
She also said Council should invoke the provisions of Regulation 6 of the Disciplinary Regulations for Senior Managers and call on Madlavu to argue why he should not be suspended.
In an interview with Grocott's Mail last week, Madlavu confirmed that a complaint had been lodged against him.
