On Friday (8/8), frustrated workers marched to Centlec’s headquarters, demanding the dismissal of CEO Malefane Sekoboto and accountability for what they describe as a collapsed institution. Among the protesters was a former employee who spoke to OFM News on condition of anonymity, recounting her experience of what she described as an unjust dismissal.

“I was dismissed in 2023, my case took nine months. What led to my dismissal is not even work-related issues; I could see it’s just personal matters.  

“Because I was expecting that if I got dismissed, it would be something related to my work, but no, most of those charges were not even related to my work.”

The former employee alleged Sekoboto accused her of leaking company information to the media, but failed to specify what information or to which platform.

“He said I took crucial information about the company to different media platforms. Then I went back to say, ‘You're vague, what information did I take out, and then which media platform are you referring to?’ You know, he didn’t care. Instead, he placed me on precautionary suspension. He told me he’s still investigating because he’s got prima facie evidence.”

While she remained suspended at home, her suspension was extended. She also claimed at the time, the utility’s CFO, who was allegedly dismissed for fraud, told her Sekoboto was struggling to find evidence, which delayed formal charges.

“I knew that charge was going to fall away, and indeed it fell away. So what he did he come with additional charges. That time, the employer himself took me to school, and I was doing my MBA. He charged me a year later to say I didn’t ask for permission to go to school. A year later. I went to school in 2021, then you are charging me in 2022, around August, saying I didn’t report it.”

Despite attempts to seek resolution through provincial leadership, she said workers were left unheard.

“We are appealing to the president, minister of Cogta, Scopa, and the portfolio committee of Cogta to please help us, help the employees of Centlec. Centlec is in trouble; Centlec has collapsed. We are pleading with them to listen to our pleas.”

Another employee, Katleho Koaho, echoed these concerns, alleging high levels of collusion and political protectionism within the entity. There is a lot of collusion and politicians protecting one another at Centlec. I’m hoping justice will prevail.”

These allegations come amid the backdrop of a high-profile legal dispute between Sekoboto and senior manager Lele Mamatu, who was reportedly dismissed while hospitalised. The High Court later ruled in Mamatu’s favour, ordering his reinstatement – a decision Sekoboto is currently challenging.

Mamatu said he was accused by Sekoboto of leaking information to  ActionSA. He was allegedly presented with a resignation letter not even typed by him and told to sign it, with the CFO present as a witness. The court found Mamatu’s dismissal lacked due process, though Sekoboto maintains Mamatu resigned voluntarily to avoid disciplinary action for procurement-related misconduct.

During recent court proceedings, Sekoboto claimed Mamatu engaged in unethical behaviour, including awarding tenders to a friend and inflating invoices to cover personal expenses. He also accused Mamatu and Centlec Board Chairperson Casca Mokitlane of colluding to undermine his authority.

Sekoboto has been dogged by accusations of nepotism, allegedly appointing his son and several other relatives to positions within the utility. Anonymous insiders said union shop stewards who questioned these appointments were suspended or sidelined.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg