Kgathatso Tlhakudi, the suspended Director-General (DG) of the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE), failed to convince the Labour Court that his suspension was improper and unconstitutional.
Tlhakudi had also requested that the court declare his suspension to have expired.
In a statement, the DPE expressed its approval of the Labour Court’s ruling and emphasized that his suspension was legal.
“He was not removed from his post illegally. The verdict vindicates the government. This is evidence that justice prevails, even when people in positions of authority and accountability threaten the rights of others with unsubstantiated and untested assertions. “The department remains committed to eradicating maladministration and abuse of power without fear, favor, or bias, regardless of the person’s position. The Minister takes the baseless claims seriously and rejects them with the disdain they merit. The Minister reserves his rights in this regard, according to the official statement.
The department claimed that Tlhakudi was suspended after the Public Service Commission received a complaint against him, which was subsequently forwarded to Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan.
A senior investigator then investigated the allegation and produced a report on the matter.
“The report was referred to the President in accordance with the Public Service Act of 1994, which stipulates that the President shall handle the appointment and career incidents of a head of a national department. The President referred the subject to the Minister of Justice, Ronald Lamola, for disciplinary measures and all other attendants. After analyzing the situation, Minister Lamola decided to place DG Tlhakudi on precautionary suspension, demanded that he turn over any work-related instruments and/or equipment provided to him for the performance of his duties, and initiated a disciplinary proceeding against him.
The agency stated, “Facts important, and the genuine truth will ultimately prevail.”