Sick note delays Nkandla hearing

THE disciplinary hearing of one of the Nkandla “fall guys” got off to a shaky start when he failed to appear at the hearing yesterday.

Sibusiso Chonco was the first of 10 public works officials to face internal disciplinary proceedings for allegedly flouting tender processes, that saw controversial architect Minenhle Makhanya awarded the contract for upgrades at President Jacob Zuma’s R246-million Nkandla home.

The hearing at the Public Works office in central Durban, chaired by Advocate Thulani Khuzwayo, was set down for two days.

However, Chonco failed to pitch on the first day yesterday.

Public Works said it was not in possession of Chonco’s sick note and thus unaware of his sick leave.

However, Chonco’s legal representative, Adrian Moodley, arrived at the hearing with the note.

Public Works’ representative Advocate Clement Kulati said that after reading the sick note it was clear that the doctor was only excusing Chonco from work, but not the hearing.

He said the doctor did not seem convinced that Chonco should be away from work as he had written that the note was not to be used for court purposes.

Khuzwayo adjourned the hearing until today and demanded that Moodley appear with his client.