Tshwane metro looking to prevent officials accused of fraud from returning to work

JOHANNESBURG -The City of Tshwane's legal team believes there are strong chances to prevent five officials involved in a tender scandal from returning to work.  

Earlier this month, the South African Local Bargaining Council (SALGBC) ruled the five officials suspended for misconduct must return to work on Monday.   

They are accused of being involved in the irregular awarding of a R295 million tender to businessman Edwin Sodi's company to upgrade the Rooiwal wastewater treatment plant.  

The company, part of a joint venture, failed to complete the upgrades, causing delays in supplying potable water to Hammanskraal. 

Not only did the bargaining council rule the five suspended city officials must return to work, but they must also receive R2 million in compensation due to their flawed suspension. 

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But Tshwane mayor Nasiphi Moya argues the officials were suspended with full pay, making it illogical to compensate them with such a large sum. 

"We gave this to our senior legal counsel to explore and to see what the prospects are in this space. Do they think we have prospects of winning? Where there procedural and material errors that were committed by the city that would have led to the order as it is? So we then received the legal counsel, which says there are prospects to appeal and to succeed."

While the five officials are set to return to work on Monday, EWN understands the city will appeal the order to reinstate them. 
  
However, Moya said the final decision will be communicated in due time.