TimesLIVE reports that the City of Tshwane has filed papers with the Labour Court to block the five managers linked to the Rooiwal water treatment plant scandal from returning to work.
The metro has asked the court to review and set aside the SA Local Government Bargaining Council's (Salgbc’s) arbitration award in favour of the employees. Salgbc ruled last month that the suspension of the five employees should be lifted because it amounted to unfair labour practice as the period of suspension exceeded the period stipulated in the collective agreement. The employees are supposed to return to work on Monday. The group is accused of flouting legal processes in the awarding of the Rooiwal tender to companies linked to controversial businessman Edwin Sodi. The City is of the view that there were defects in the Salgbc arbitration proceedings and the ruling and has enlisted the services of a firm of attorneys to act on its behalf in the handling of this legal matter. City spokesperson Lindela Mashigo pointed out that the notice of application served to freeze the legal effect of the Salgbc award. Rooiwal plant was meant to provide drinkable water to the community of Hammanskraal. However, due to it not being completed, Hammanskraal was hit with a huge bout of cholera in 2023 resulting in the deaths of more than 20 people. The five senior officials were suspended after an internal disciplinary process found them guilty of misconduct.
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Koena Mashale at TimesLIVE
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