Update

PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - The dismissal of former Bitou Municipality corporate affairs director Misiwe Mpahlwa by the current DA-led ruling coalition has been ruled as unfair by the South African Local Government Bargaining Council (SALGBC) and has cost the municipality R1 133 436 – the equivalent of one year's salary.

Mpahlwa was appointed by the then governing ANC alliance in 2021, but was dismissed by the current DA-led ruling coalition in September 2022. 

"[The dismissal] was substantively unfair, as the reason provided for the dismissal, ‘political dimensions’, is not fair, nor did the Respondent (Bitou Municipality) dispute this reason as stated by the applicant (Mpahlwa)," said SALBGC Commissioner A Makasi, based on the evidence she received.

"Ms MP Mpahlwa referred a request for arbitration to the SALGBC because her dismissal dispute referral for conciliation to the SALGBC remained unresolved. The arbitration was heard and finalised on 15 February.

"In terms of the arbitration award, the termination of the employment contract is deemed to be dismissal and the Commissioner ordered that Ms MP Mpahlwa must be paid compensation amounting to R1 133 463."

Makasi said that Bitou Municipality must pay Mpahlwa her compensation no later than 14 March, and the payment was subsequently made.

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