Update

PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Bitou municipality has refuted claims by the Plettenberg Bay Ratepayers and Residents' Association about the number of municipal staff facing disciplinary action, as reported in the Knysna-Plett Herald on 23 May.

Acting municipal manager Dr Ralph Links said only five - not 60 - disciplinary matters were awaiting action.

He also said the municipality "only has 15 unresolved matters it is dealing with in its internal grievance procedure."

Links said in a statement released to all media on 31 May: "Bitou municipality notes with shock the article in the Knysna-Plett Herald titled 'Bitou Municipality Faces Disciplinary Conundrum,' where it alleges that about 10% of Bitou employees are awaiting disciplinary action."

He stated: "Bitou municipality would like to refute the recent claims made in the article regarding the number of employees awaiting disciplinary action.

"Previously, the Plettenberg Bay Ratepayers and Residents' Association raised concerns about the handling of disciplinary actions within the municipality and Bitou responded to their concerns through a Promotion of Access to Information Act request.

"We acknowledge their intent to ensure accountability and transparency.

"However, the figures provided by the association are significantly inflated. Contrary to the reported 60 cases, there are currently only five disciplinary cases awaiting action within the municipality, as per response to the Paia.

"Further, the municipality only has 15 unresolved matters it is dealing with in its internal grievance procedure, as detailed in the response. The internal grievance process is not a disciplinary process but an internal method where employees can lodge disputes against each other.

"The employer finds a solution in line with the municipalities (sic) disciplinary code and relevant policies.

"Our records indicate that the municipality is diligently addressing the five pending cases as well as the grievance cases, adhering to the required legal and procedural guidelines."

Lastly, Links said: "Disciplinary proceedings are private matters and cannot be spoken about in the media. Further, the people involved are all protected by Popia (Protection of Personal Information Act)."

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