Sunday Tribune reports that the head of eThekwini’s legal and compliance unit was this week found guilty of hate speech, racism and gross dishonesty. Gideon Phungula made headlines when a recording of him referring to city treasurer Krish Kumar by the c-word went viral.
He will learn on Wednesday if he will keep his job. Phungula was found guilty of two of the six charges he faced at a disciplinary hearing. Phungula opted to represent himself after his legal representative withdrew from the matter. The charges he faced were related to a leaked phone recording with a colleague. In the recordings, Phungula allegedly tried to convince the colleague to manipulate a disciplinary hearing of the suspended deputy head of supply chain, Zandile Sithole, with the aim of having her reinstated. He alleged certain politicians wanted Sithole back in her role. Sithole was suspended for alleged tender corruption. In his ruling, the chairperson said he was satisfied that the evidence provided by the colleague was reliable. Phungula was cleared on charges related to the accuracy of the information he provided in his application of employment.
- Read the full original of this report by Siphelele Buthelezi at Sunday Tribune
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