Pretoria – The City of Tshwane has announced that it is “currently reviewing” the directive from the SA Local Government Bargaining Council (SALGBC) regarding the reinstatement of five senior employees who were suspended in connection with a controversial tender for the upgrading of the Rooiwal Waste Water Treatment Plant.
This facility plays a vital role in sewage treatment and provides water to households in Hammanskraal.
The tender, awarded in 2019 to NJR Projects and Blackhead Consulting, has been terminated due to non-performance issues.
The SALGBC has instructed that the suspended employees return to their positions on January 20.
Moreover, the bargaining council has ruled that these employees should receive compensation for two months’ salary due to the unjust nature of their suspension.
“The employees have been receiving full pay while suspended since last year. The city is currently assessing the arbitration award and its implications,” stated City of Tshwane spokesperson Selby Bokaba in a statement on Monday, (6 January 2025).
“Additionally, the city intends to consult with senior legal counsel for guidance on the next steps.”
Bokaba noted that the City of Tshwane had submitted an application to the Labour Court last year to review the findings and penalties imposed by the chairperson of the disciplinary hearing.
“This issue is still pending in court, and the city has requested that the court expedite the review process,” Bokaba added.
He further stressed that the City of Tshwane would refrain from further comments on this matter “as it involves human resource processes and is sub judice.”
