No clarity on request for Fani exit package

SIU probe into BCM could stymie payment

ALETTER in which an exit package is proposed for troubled Buffalo City Metro manager Andile Fani has surfaced, although its authenticity cannot be verified.

Contacted for comment, Fani denied instructing his lawyer Bongani Nduli to write such a letter.

BCM mayor Alfred Mtsi refused to confirm or deny receiving the letter.

In the document, leaked to the Saturday Dispatch, Nduli ostensibly writes to BCM’s attorneys, Matthew Moodley & Associates: “We have been instructed by our client to request that you put into writing any offer, which your client is willing to make in resolution of this matter.

“Once we are in receipt thereof, our client will consider the same and we will revert with his response.”

However, Fani said he was not interested in negotiations about settlement packages.

But at least three sources close to developments confirmed that Nduli had delivered the letter dated September 22 to Mtsi’s office who was away at the time.

“When he returned the letter was handed over to the mayor,” a source said.

Contacted for comment earlier this week mayoral spokesman Sibusiso Cindi said: “The executive mayor would not like to comment nor give a blow by blow account on Mr Fani’s suspension as the investigation is still ongoing.”

Cindi was referring to an internal investigation the mayor’s office instituted against Fani following allegations he had authorised millions worth of payments to a company although the project had not been budgeted for.

The company also billed the metro for more than R7million, a claim which has not yet been paid.

The exit package proposal for Fani comes amid another investigation.

The Dispatch reported two weeks ago that President Jacob Zuma had ordered the Special Investigations Unit to investigate Buffalo City finances covering the period from February 2008 to date.

Another source said: “Yes the municipality’s lawyers have received the letter. But if Mr Fani requests a package now, that might not materialise because the president has ordered the SIU to investigate the municipality, and if he is given a package that will reflect as wasteful expenditure.”

Attempts for comment from Nduli Attorneys were not successful at the time of writing. — siphem@dispatch.co.za