Maimane faces CCMA dispute as former chief of staff seeks R1.44m separation package

Build One South Africa (BOSA) has rejected claims it unfairly decided not to renew the fixed-term contract of former chief of staff Tania Coenraad, after her lawyers proposed a mutual separation package of R1.44 million. According to IOL, the matter is now before the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA).

What Coenraad says happened

According to IOL, Coenraad says she attended a performance-review feedback discussion on 5 June 2026 where she received positive feedback, but was later told verbally that her contract would not be renewed and was asked to begin handing over responsibilities.

Coenraad’s attorneys, Patton Williams Inc, initially challenged BOSA’s decision not to renew her contract and, in a 11 June 2026 letter marked “without prejudice”, proposed resolving the dispute through a mutual separation agreement.

Proposed settlement terms

According to IOL, the separation proposal would see Coenraad’s employment terminate by mutual agreement and would provide a payment equal to 24 months’ remuneration R1.44 million, based on a disclosed gross monthly salary of R60,000. The letter set out payment timing tied to a SARS tax directive and included ordinary amounts due up to the agreed termination date.

BOSA’s response

According to IOL, BOSA, through lawyers acting for party leader Mmusi Maimane, denied the allegations and said the fixed-term contract expressly terminated on 30 June 2026. BOSA’s lawyers said Coenraad had agreed in writing that the contract’s expiry would not constitute a dismissal or create an expectation of renewal and that the organisation denied any representation or conduct created a reasonable expectation of continued employment.

Employment background and workplace concerns

According to IOL, Coenraad began working for BOSA on or about 1 February 2024, served under fixed-term arrangements, and was appointed Chief of Staff for the period 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2026. IOL reports she was paid a gross monthly salary of R60,000.

Coenraad also raised concerns about her treatment while working at BOSA, describing some interactions with Maimane as demeaning, intimidating and, at times, bullying. She said a public announcement that affected her role left her feeling “utterly humiliated” and that colleagues subsequently messaged her about what they had witnessed, leaving her unable to explain the situation, according to IOL.

Allegations from an anonymous source

IOL reports an anonymous whistleblower said Maimane “dropped Coenraad when her husband was dying of cancer” and added,

“He’s a terrible person actually to work for, honestly.”

BOSA HR consultant’s reply

In response to IOL’s query, IOL reports that BOSA HR consultant Dr Phindi Msomi said Coenraad had not been Maimane’s chief of staff for at least a year and characterised allegations against Dr Maimane as “false and border on defamation.” Msomi told IOL BOSA would provide a fuller response within 24 hours, according to the report.

Next steps

According to IOL, the dispute is before the CCMA. IOL also reports the correspondence between Coenraad’s lawyers and BOSA set out competing positions on whether BOSA’s conduct created a reasonable expectation of continued employment beyond the fixed-term end date.