Suspension info causes shock

BUFFALO City officials may have lied to parliament by claiming that metro head Andile Fani has been suspended for two months only.

A report had been submitted by the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) to the national oversight committee on cooperative governance and traditional affairs on the number of officials suspended across the eight metros in the country.

According to the report, 13 Buffalo City metro officials were under suspension.

Among those cited in the report, was “city manager Fani”.

He is said to have been suspended for a period of two months and faced charges of financial misconduct and intimidation.

Total remuneration paid to Fani during the suspension was R318 231.

Fani has been suspended for almost a year now and his matter has yet to be resolved.

The revelation follows questions asked by DA MP David Matsepe to Cogta Minister Des van Rooyen about the number of officials suspended across the metros, the duration of suspensions, salaries paid during that process and whether a severance package was paid to any municipal official.

Matsepe was shocked yesterday to learn that the response contained inaccurate information about Fani.

“If there are inaccuracies, I will talk to our chief whip,” Matsepe said.

“Steps need to be taken. You cannot submit lies in parliament.”

Matsepe said the matter could be referred to the Hawks to investigate.