Apleni fights back
SUSPENDED Home Affairs directorgeneral Mkuseli Apleni has filed urgent court papers with the Pretoria High Court seeking to have his suspension overturned.
Apleni was placed on precautionary suspension by Home Affairs Minister Hlengiwe Mkhize earlier this month.
Apleni is challenging her decision and has asked for the matter to be heard on October 3.
His suspension relates to the VVIP Fireblade terminal at OR Tambo International owned by the Oppenheimer family and his alleged failure to provide a detailed briefing to the minister‚ who wished to seek presidential guidance.
A correspondence between Mkhize and Apleni‚ where he indicates he was not aware of the request for a detailed brief, is attached to the court papers.
Apleni wants the court to declare that the minister does not have the authority to suspend him.
He argues the appointments and “career incidents” of heads of government departments should be dealt with by President Jacob Zuma in terms of the Public Service Act.
“Each of the grounds on which I have been suspended simply does not stand up to scrutiny‚” Apleni submits.
“It is clear the minister did not apply her mind.”
Other charges levelled at him include a failure to provide effective leadership in negotiations with unions‚ in resolving several legal disputes between the department and third parties, and not arranging regular meetings to keep the minister abreast of the government’s programmes.
Responding, Apleni deals with every allegation in detail – seemingly debunking each. – TimesLIVE