PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - The Bitou Council has taken a step in ensuring disciplinary procedures are done by the book by approving the appointment of a disciplinary board.

Council approved the establishment of the board at a council meeting last month.

"This is a long-outstanding matter as during the last political term there was no functional disciplinary board, even though disciplinary processes were necessary," said Bitou Mayor Dave Swart.

He said the lack of a disciplinary board has been a regular finding of the Auditor-General's office. 

"The current coalition is determined to rectify the outstanding matters that have been raised by the AG's office. This is one such matter."

At the meeting, Council approved the financial misconduct disciplinary board terms of reference charter to allow for the establishment of the financial misconduct disciplinary board. 

Council also approved the term of office for board members to be a period of three years from May 2022, with the option of extending the period for a further three years.

Council also appointed a chief audit executive, a member of the audit committee, a manager for legal services, an advocate and a provincial treasury official.

In addition to this, a whistle-blower hotline will be established and is set to be operational by next month.

"This will allow municipal staff and members of the public to anonymously report suspected misconduct so that it can be investigated. Any matters raised by whistle-blowers will be able to be addressed by this disciplinary board should this be necessary," Swart said.

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