“Assaulting employees and verbally abusing them is not only grave misconduct but could also lead to dismissal if substantiated.”

This is according to the municipal workers’ union Samwu in Lejweleputswa. Deputy General Secretary Dan Mana has criticised the apparent inaction of the district council, specifically Speaker Bheki Stofile, in initiating disciplinary proceedings against Matjhabeng Mayor Thanduxolo Khalipha, despite the severity of the accusations.

Khalipha has been suspended as mayor of the Welkom-based local authority after the provincial ANC enforced a step-aside rule while dealing with assault charges levelled against him.

Free State ANC spokesperson Jabu Mbalula previously said Khalipha would have limited participation in ANC activities until the case is resolved. But the union has called for swift internal disciplinary measures by Matjhabeng, in addition to the ongoing legal process.

“The failure to act on this matter is alarming,” said Mana. “We demand immediate intervention from Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Saki Mokoena to ensure that disciplinary processes against Mayor Khalipha are not delayed any further.

“The lack of action sets a dangerous precedent for workplace misconduct, undermining the obligations outlined in the councillors’ code of conduct.”

Little progress has been seen since the incident more than six months ago, said Mana, pointing out that both the speaker and the municipal manager have neglected their duties under the standing rules and orders of the council.

Khalipha’s alleged actions, which include physical and verbal abuse of his bodyguards during working hours, constitute a serious violation of Section 2(b) of the Councillors Code of Conduct, he said. This section mandates councillors to act in the municipality's best interest and maintain its integrity.

After his case was postponed last week, Khalipha told supporters outside the Odendaalsrus magistrates court that he couldn’t testify as scheduled due to an electricity outage minutes before he took the stand.

Mana said Khalipha had been granted sick leave from mid-August to mid-September and has now been granted an additional 30 days of unpaid leave. Samwu condemned these “attempts to avoid accountability”, calling them “a denial of justice”.

“The disciplinary process is independent of the ANC’s step-aside rule and the ongoing criminal case,” Mana said, urging the council to prioritise accountability and take immediate steps to address the matter.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi mvh