KNYSNA NEWS - The board at Vermont Centre for the elderly have suspended centre manager Hendrik Blaauw with immediate effect, pending a disciplinary hearing scheduled for 8 February. This is according to the notice of suspension, which is in possession of Knysna-Plett Herald, which also states that the suspension is due to an ongoing investigation into misconduct.
Blaauw faces charges of gross insubordination, dishonesty, incitement of coworkers, neglect of duty and failure to follow protocol regarding procurement policies.
The suspension letter states: "Your suspension does not mean that we have already decided that you have done or not done an action or behaviour that is misconduct or serious misconduct", and advises Blaauw to cooperate with the investigation.
The internal disciplinary procedure against Blaauw coincides with an investigation currently being conducted into Vermont by the department of social development – whose officials arrived at the centre unannounced last week. Their final report is yet to be released.
Chairperson at Vermont, Elroy Mintoor, refused to comment on the matter. "The investigation is ongoing and thus no comment can be made at this stage," said Mintoor.
When contacted, Blaauw confirmed that he was suspended and was at home. "I can't say more than that until the disciplinary hearing has been completed," he said.
'We bring you the latest Knysna, Garden Route news'
