A top municipal official could face disciplinary proceedings following allegations of misconduct. A source revealed that in a closed session, Makana Municpality's Council resolved that Corporate and Shared Services Director Mzukisi Madlavu should be informed of misconduct allegations against him.
A top municipal official could face disciplinary proceedings following allegations of misconduct. A source revealed that in a closed session, Makana Municpality's Council resolved that Corporate and Shared Services Director Mzukisi Madlavu should be informed of misconduct allegations against him.
According to the source, Madlavu is accused of being absent without leave.
The matter began during Pam Yako's term as administrator in the municipality, the source said.
Madlavu's direct supervisor is acting municipal manager Riana Meiring, who must sign his leave forms.
The source said both Yako and Meiring had noticed that Madlavu was frequemtly absent from work without permission.
It is alleged that on 26 and 29 June 2015 Meiring emailed the director asking him to submit leave forms before taking leave.
Madlavu was absent from 29 June until 7 July, it is alleged.
Meiring then wrote to Madlavu on 7 July advising him that he had been absent from work without permission, the source said.
"On 8 July 2015, Madlavu responded and told the acting MM that he had been attending a CPMD course.
The CPMD course took place on 29, 30 June 2015 and 1 July," the source said.
"Meiring attended this course and said she had not seen Madlavu at this course," said the source.
It is alleged that Madlavu again absented himself from work on 9, 10, 17, and 21 July.
In a response to one of Meiring's queries, Madlavu wrote, 'I hope you are aware that if you set a beggar on horseback he or she is most likely to ride to the devil.'
Madlavu is alleged to have taken 14 days off without leave during a two-month period.
Eleven of these were taken after he was asked to submit leave forms, the source said.
The source said that in precautionary suspension matters, as set out in Regulation 6 of the local government disciplinary rules, Council can elect to suspend an employee if there are valid reasons.
"That is if Council has reason to believe that the presence of the senior manager may be detrimental to stability in the municipality or may commit further acts of misconduct," said the source.
The source said Council cnsidered the allegations against Madlavu serious.
They were concerned his presence in the municipality could affect its stability, especially in light of the senior role he occupied, the source said.
It was recommended Council invoke regulation 6 of the Local Government Disciplinary Regulations, the source said – that is, to call upon Madlavu to explain why he should not be suspended by the Council for the misconduct allegations against him.
Makana Municipality spokesperson Yoliswa Ramokolo this week would not comment on the matter.
"This matter is still being discussed so I am unable to comment on it in any manner until it is resolved," said Ramokolo.
Madlavu also declined to comment on the allegations against him. He said it is an internal matter and is being handled by his lawyers.
