Central SA
Legal battle deepens after Centlec manager was dismissed while hospitalised─── KEKELETSO MOSEBETSI 15:06 Mon, 04 Aug 2025
The senior communications manager of Mangaung’s power utility has been reinstated once again following a High Court order, despite ongoing efforts by the CEO to challenge the ruling.
This follows a tense legal battle for Centlec senior manager Lele Mamatu, whose contract was allegedly terminated by CEO Malefane Sekoboto while he was gravely ill and hospitalised.
Mamatu was removed from his position in June through what he claims was a fraudulent resignation letter, prompting him to approach the High Court for urgent relief. On 1 July, the court ruled in his favour, ordering his immediate reinstatement and granting him 14 days to file for a formal review of the alleged dismissal.
But just days later, on 7 July, Mamatu was admitted to Woodlands Hospital, also known as Hillandale, after falling seriously ill. His condition rapidly worsened.
“I was admitted to Woodlands Hospital, known as Hillandale, for a period of two weeks. Unfortunately, before the end of those two weeks, two days before, I had a serious problem where my situation deteriorated to an extent that I had to be transferred to Universitas Hospital for further treatment.
“This is where I was taken to the Intensive Care Unit. I was later discharged from the ICU to the general ward,” Mamatu recounted.
He went on to explain that further complications emerged during his hospital stay, prompting doctors to refer him to Rose Park Hospital, where he underwent surgery.
While Mamatu was still recovering from the operation, his legal team received notice from Centlec lawyers stating that, because they had missed the 14-day deadline (due to Mamatu’s medical condition), his contract had been terminated once again and his salary would be withheld.
In response, Mamatu’s lawyers returned to court with another urgent application. On 28 July, the High Court issued a new ruling, reviving the earlier reinstatement order and granting Mamatu more time to file his review once he had recovered enough to consult his legal team.
The court also ordered Centlec to allow him to resume his duties and salary payments. Just a day after the ruling, Sekoboto signaled his intention to appeal the decision, suggesting the legal battle is far from over.
“This situation has been very stressful for me,” Mamatu said from his home, where he is still recovering. “But I leave everything in God’s hands. I know I’ve done nothing wrong, and I’m hopeful the matter will be resolved soon.”
OFM News sent an inquiry to Centlec.
