PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - The Plett Democratic Congress (PDC) has expressed its support for the dismissed former director of community services in the Bitou Municipality, Melony Paulsen.

The party's secretary general, Clyde Windvogel, said the PDC did not believe Paulsen received a fair and objective hearing.

According to a statement by the PDC, the sanction against Paulsen made reference to a statement issued by Municipal Manager Mbulelo Memani, to the effect that "the trust relationship between the Bitou Municipality and Ms Paulsen has irretrievably broken down and that the Bitou Municipality recommends her immediate dismissal".

Windvogel said the PDC Plett, as a party represented in the Bitou council through Claude Terblanche, distanced itself from Memani's statement: "Mr Memani did not consult Council on the sanction to be imposed and issued the statement in support of dismissal to the chairperson (who conducted the inquiry) on his own accord or on instructions of his political bosses."

'Fit for purpose'

Windvogel said Memani appointed Bradley Conradie as chairperson of the inquiry.

"The investigation report of Mr Conradie, which served before council, refers to Ms Paulsen. Mr Conradie clearly had prior knowledge of the allegations against Ms Paulsen, before her hearing even started. We maintain that Mr Conradie was appointed for a specific purpose and that is to get rid of Ms Paulsen," said Windvogel.

He questioned allegations of fraud against Conradie relating to the University of Fort Hare.

"With so many reputable law firms in Plettenberg Bay and the Garden Route, we can only draw one conclusion from the appointment of a person such as Mr Conradie with serious fraud allegations against him. Conradie was fit for purpose."

Windvogel welcomed the fact that Paulsen has referred an unfair dismissal dispute to the bargaining council and maintains her innocence, and said that the PDC "will support Ms Paulsen in her quest for justice".

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