After the municipality received a formal report from the employee wellness division implicating Qondile Khedama, a grievance hearing was held with him and organised labour, said city manager Sello More. It’s understood a colleague claimed the harassment had been occurring for years, but it was only formally reported in July.

The municipality viewed the allegations with the “utmost seriousness”, More said. An independent team has now been appointed to conduct a comprehensive investigation and to provide recommendations “within strict time frames”.

“The decision to place the general manager on special leave does not constitute a finding of guilt. It is a precautionary measure aimed at ensuring a fair, transparent, and just process for all parties involved.”

In September, More told the media the matter had been resolved amicably. The complainant, along with their union representative, had met with Khedama, and therefore no suspension would be enforced, he said, maintaining that the municipality had followed its grievance procedures “to the letter.”

However, these claims have since been challenged by one of the alleged victims. Speaking to a media outlet, the employee firmly rejected More’s assertion that the matter was settled.

‘I knew he would be protected’

“More is not telling the truth,” she claimed. “I never met with him to discuss this matter, nor did we reach any agreement. I only learned through media reports that they claimed the issue was resolved amicably.

“I believe they are protecting Qondile Khedama, who has been harassing me for a very long time. That’s one of the reasons I was afraid to speak out earlier – because I knew he would be protected.”

Manguang reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful workplace for all employees.

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OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi mvh