Parly workers want action

The union representing most of parliament’s workers has welcomed the news that the national legislature’s secretary would face disciplinary action.

Gengezi Mgidlana, pictured, is on special leave, which he himself requested in July, after the union demanded a probe into him.

Parliament’s presiding officers appointed an audit committee to investigate allegations of, among others, an ex gratia payment to himself of R71 000.

“While the union welcomes the part of Mgidlana being taken to a disciplinary hearing, the union believes Mgidlana should be suspended immediately because he has already been paid for sitting at home while he was on the so-called special leave,” the National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu) said in a statement.

Parliament has given Mgidlana a week to state why he should not be suspended pending the outcome of his disciplinary hearing. Nehawu rejected this.

“Now that the report has established prima facie grounds, the union see no reason why he should be given seven days within which to respond. Therefore, the union calls for his immediate suspension,” the statement said.

Nehawu workers went on strike in 2015 over salary hikes and issues around bonuses.

During the strike they levelled several accusations at Mgidlana – including the allegations probed by the audit committee. – ANA