Heritage chief’s suspension still murky

CONFLICTING reports surround the suspension of Freedom Park chief executive Fana Jiyane.

The council suspended him last week after reviewing a report from an investigation into, among other issues, breaching procurement procedures and giving preferential treatment to some female employees.

Jiyane was accused of promoting and giving a salary increase to a woman with whom he had a relationship, and another with whom he had a child.

A general meeting of the board held at Freedom Park last week resolved to suspend Jiyane with full pay pending further investigations into a number of issues, including alleged tender irregularities.

Jiyane took over the running of Freedom Park in 2011.

He has been embroiled in controversy at the institution, facing charges of sexual harassment and being cleared of them in 2012.

After accusing him of interfering with the investigation, staff at Freedom Park then filed a fresh set of accusations against Jiyane. They accused him of engaging in sexual activities with staff, and thereafter rewarding the women by promoting them at work.

Last week, the staff administration block went on strike and demonstrated outside Freedom Park, demanding Jiyane’s suspension.

Despite agreeing to give reasons for the suspension, and to reveal the details of the charge sheet, council chairman Vusi Mchunu had not responded by yesterday afternoon.

In her response, acting chief executive Jane Mufamadi said yesterday: “I have spoken to the chairperson of the council, who has assured me he will respond to all your questions as soon as he can. I therefore will not make any comment at this stage.”

Jiyane was highly regarded when he joined Freedom Park from the Cradle of Humankind which he headed, and Minister of Arts and Culture Paul Mashatile stood by him during turbulent times at Freedom Park. On Friday, Mashatile’s spokesman, Mogomotsi Mogodiri, said they were still waiting for a report from the council.