The suspension of the municipal manager of an IFP-run uPhongolo Municipality in northern KwaZulu-Natal was lifted on Tuesday, allowing him back to work after almost a whole year of sitting at home with full salary payment.
Mntonjani Bethuel Khali was suspended early last year due to allegations of corruption and maladministration, and was subjected to disciplinary action, which is yet to be finalised.
IFP’s Position
When asked to comment, IFP president Velenkosini Hlabisa said the party would not interfere in council matters.
“We will only wait for a formal report that would be given to us, but we always want to respect the space for councillors to do the due diligence.”
He described Khali’s prolonged suspension with full salary as “unfortunate.”
“We really wish suspensions can be very short, and if there is no case a person goes back to work, and if there is a case, a final sanction is given. But it is a fair process that if you suspend a person, you don’t cut the salary.”
The Suspension
Khali was employed in 2023 and suspended in April 2024. He sought the Labour Court to overturn his suspension, but this was dismissed on 10 June 2024.
The councillors decided to suspend him because they believed the allegations against him were too serious. They felt that allowing him to continue working during the investigation could result in him intimidating witnesses or tampering with important documents.
The Reinstatement
On 25 March, the majority of councillors voted in favour of lifting Khali’s suspension. They came to this decision after realising that his continued absence from work, while receiving a full salary, was a waste of state money.
While IFP councillors abstained from voting, ANC, DA, EFF and NFP councillors voted for Khali to return to work.
However, the source said mayor Bheki Thwala refused to authorise the lifting of the suspension.
On 4 April, the IFP invited all its municipal councillors to a meeting with its national executive committee in Durban on Tuesday. Sources alleged that the IFP NEC was unhappy with how its caucus handled Khali’s suspension.
As the IFP held its meeting, ANC, DA, NFP and EFF councillors met and affirmed the reinstatement.
“We affirmed that Khali should come back to work and his disciplinary hearing will continue while he is working. He was suspended pending the allegations and charges of fraud and maladministration against him.”
The Bottom Line
After a year at home with full pay, the municipal manager is back at work. The corruption allegations remain unresolved. The disciplinary process is still pending.
The council is divided. The mayor refused. But the majority voted.
Khali is back , for now.
