Firing of casual staff by officials raises concern

The meeting follows allegations that the 10 workers were victims of a power struggle that was tearing the municipality apart. The workers were stopped from duty only a day after they had begun work, allegedly on the orders of a senior official. The power struggle has also seen the chief financial officer, Hitler Maluleke, resigning last week.

He cited unbearable pressure from "certain individuals" who forced him to sign off irregular payments.

The 10 temporary workers were a second batch of staff to be fired.

The South African National Civic Organisation (Sanco) has said that the situation at the municipality was affecting all staff.

Municipal spokesman Louis Bobodi said the 10 temporary workers were fired because the authorities needed to iron out "certain issues concerning their employment conditions". He did not want to elaborate.

ANC ward councillor Vinci Mahladisa said he was aware of the situation.

Source: Sowetan