Ratepayers foot R1.6m bill for suspended City employees' salaries

CAPE Town ratepayers have coughed up R1.6 million in the past two months to cover the salaries of 28 municipal employees placed on suspension.

- BRANDON NEL

City spokesperson Luthando Tyhalibongo confirmed the figures and said the suspensions took effect from July 1.

"Twenty-eight employees have been suspended since July 1, to date," Tyhalibongo said.

The R1.6m cost covered salaries, temporary replacements or stand-ins, and mediation processes. It excluded legal or human resources expenses.

Tyhalibongo said the employees faced charges ranging from gross dishonesty and gross negligence to assault, sexual harassment and misconduct which brought the City's name into disrepute.

He said suspensions generally last six months but can be extended under exceptional circumstances.