By OBAKENG MAJE
Three employees at the Christiana Hospital alleged that, they were unfairly dismissed for blowing the whistle on embezzlement of funds and maladministration.
It is alleged that, Tsholofelo Makuapane, Sylvester Moruri and Masabatha Bonakele were victimised after writing a letter to the North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha’s Office demanding a forensic report over an investigation against the Supply Chain Management (SCM) and the then acting CEO at the hospital over embezzlement of funds allegations.
One of the employees who refused to be named for fear of reprisal said: “We are victimised for reporting any wrongdoings at the hospital. The investigations were conducted, but instead of the department tabling the report, we were fired without following proper procedures.
“We appealed the matter, but we are still languishing at home without any proper communication. What is happening now is a clear indication that the employer is retaliating against us instead of taking action and punishing the transgressors.”
According to this employee, their only mistake was to request the tabling of a forensic report. The employee alleged that, the then-acting CEO harassed them and even opened a protection order against them.
The National Public Servants Union (NAPSU)’s Provincial Organiser, Steven Mfanelo Nonzaba said they have tried in vain to have a consultative engage with the North West Department of Health to resolve the matter amicably. Nonzaba further said they would now resort to anarchy to get the attention of the department because it dismally failed to engage them in a civil manner.
“As per Labour Relation Act, we know that the resolution of 2019 is that, when someone is dismissed, there is an issue of an appeal and that is where it starts. After the appeal, all processes and procedures will be followed.
“So, as things have unfolded, we have arranged a meeting with the Office of Labour Relations from the provincial office and they said they were still busy with the report. I also contacted the legal department unit to check up on the status quo of the case,” he said.
He further said some officials told him that, the matter has been resolved and it has been transferred to the Office of MEC. Nonzaba added that, however, there was no correspondence, even though he wrote two emails requesting to meet with Sambatha.
“We think maybe the matter needs a political approach now with a little bit of anarchy. Some officials are sending us from pillar to post and now alleged that they cannot find the files of this case and they are engaging with Legal and Labour Relations units to trace them.
“So, we will go to any of Sambatha’s activities and engage with him for intervention. We know he is the people’s MEC, so it will not be hard to get his attention. We have been trying to approach this matter in a civil way, but the department does not want to come to the party.
Meanwhile, the North West Department of Health spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane said: “The department is aware of the matter and it has been taken through the disciplinary processes. Their matters are before the MEC for final consideration. Since the MEC is still applying his mind on the matter, the department does not wish to comment any further.”
The Guardian 