Nzuza in the dark on future as special leave comes to end
SUSPENDED Durban City manager Sipho Nzuza is yet to be informed on whether he will return to work as his three-month special leave comes to an end next week.
Sources, however, said he was “no longer needed”.
Nzuza was arrested by the Hawks in March on a raft of charges including fraud, corruption and maladministration in respect of a multi-million rand Durban Solid Waste tender.
He was accused number 17 in the case that also involves former Durban Mayor Zandile Gumede.
The ethekwini Municipality executive committee subsequently placed Nzuza on special leave while Sipho Cele, deputy city manager for Governance and International Relations was appointed as the interim city manager.
Nzuza’s suspension was initially indefinite but he successfully challenged it in the labour court.
A source told Sunday Tribune this week that the city planned on making a proposal to Nzuza and his legal team to resolve the dispute from a labour relations point of view.
The source said the municipality did not have a strong case against him.
“The leadership is weighing three options which would be provided to Nzuza. To return to work and act as deputy city manager while Cele is acting, proceed with special leave with full pay until the criminal case is finalised or take a conditional exit package.
“At least the leadership has indicated that they do not want him back, so he must consider taking the exit package, negotiating the condition and amount before things get even nastier,” said the source.
Nzuza had requested to be placed on special leave to allow the municipality space to conduct internal investigations on the corruption charges.
At the time he said he wanted his name to be cleared. He also mentioned that quitting his job was not an option because it would imply he was guilty.
This week he said he had never received any communication from the municipality and was unaware of what was likely to happen to him.
“There has been no communication about the internal investigation or my suspension. Maybe they have contacted my legal team but I would have known. As the three months come to an end, I will wait to be told about what is coming,” he said.
Nzuza’s lawyer, Dinesha Deeplal declined to comment and directed questions to the city’s legal services department.
When approached about Nzuza’s return to office, Malusi Mhlongo, the city’s head of legal services said it was up to the mayor’s office to decide.
Mluleki Mntungwa, mayoral spokesperson said the leadership of the council will make an announcement when the special leave comes to an end.
Nzuza will be back in court next month along with Gumede and the other accused.