Ngcobo Municipal Manager Khathutshelo Mulaudzi Faces Investigation

• Protests in Ngcobo have entered their fourth day, with residents demanding the removal of municipal manager Khathutshelo Mulaudzi.
• Premier Oscar Mabuyane has directed Eastern Cape Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) MEC Zolile Williams to investigate allegations against Mulaudzi.
• The investigation may set a precedent for consequence management in cases of alleged wrongdoing by municipal managers.

Whether one is a politician, civil servant or municipal employee, where wrongdoing or transgression of governance prescripts and the laws of the Republic is established, consequence management is non-negotiable.

For the fourth consecutive day, businesses in Ngcobo remained closed due to ongoing protests led by the Ngcobo Yethu Civic Organisation. The demonstrations began on Tuesday and have been marked by a growing sense of urgency among residents. Protesters are demanding the removal of municipal manager Khathutshelo Mulaudzi, citing his alleged failure to deliver services during his tenure. On Wednesday, taxi operators joined the protests, adding their voices to the chorus of discontent. The Ngcobo Yethu Civic Organisation has been at the forefront of the protests, with its chairperson Gcobani Nkwele leading the charge. According to Nkwele, Mulaudzi's actions have been marred by controversy, including his attempts to dismiss seven traffic officers who raised legitimate concerns about their working conditions. The Supreme Court of Appeal ultimately rejected Mulaudzi's application to appeal a high court judgment that reinstated the officers.

In response to the growing unrest, Premier Oscar Mabuyane issued a directive on Thursday, instructing Eastern Cape Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) MEC Zolile Williams to investigate allegations against Mulaudzi. The premier also requested that Williams engage with affected workers to address their concerns through appropriate governance and labour processes. This development has sparked hope among residents that the situation may soon be resolved. Williams arrived in Ngcobo on Wednesday, but her presence was met with hostility from protesters who prevented her from speaking outside the offices of Dr AB Xuma Local Municipality. Despite this, Williams expressed a willingness to assist Intercape buses operating in Ngcobo, provided they are willing to listen to others.

The investigation into Mulaudzi's alleged wrongdoing has significant implications for the governance of municipalities across South Africa. As Premier Mabuyane noted in his statement, consequence management is non-negotiable when wrongdoing or transgression of governance prescripts and laws is established. The outcome of this investigation may set a precedent for consequence management in cases of alleged wrongdoing by municipal managers. Compliance officers and lawyers are closely watching the situation, as it may have implications for their own organizations.

Lawyers should watch for the outcome of this investigation, as it may set a precedent for consequence management in cases of alleged wrongdoing by municipal managers. Compliance officers should also note that Premier Mabuyane's directive to investigate and address labour issues through appropriate governance processes may have implications for their own organizations.

Source: Original reporting via GroundUp