Court declares Madonsela's suspension unlawful

THE Pietermaritzburg High Court has ruled that the precautionary suspension of Sibusiso Madonsela, uMngeni-uThukela Water's chief governance and compliance officer, was unlawful.

- NOMONDE ZONDI [e-mail]

Madonsela’s suspension, which took place on October 9, stemmed from his refusal to approve a sponsorship request for a New York Marathon in October 2024.

The request had been made by a staff member, Zandile Mhlongo, who had sought the sponsorship under the terms of the uMngeni-uThukela Water Sponsorship and Donation policy.

“I will suggest that if we want to support the initiative, we must issue a call to employees and choose from a list of employees so as not to be seen to be favouring some over others. And we must have a separate budget for such,” Madonsela had said, declining the sponsorship.

Madonsela, who was accused of leaking the sponsorship information to the media, claimed in his affidavit that the final decision regarding the sponsorship rested with CEO Sandile Mkhize, who subsequently approved it.

He explained that the request had to originate with him, where he would indicate his support or nonsupport before forwarding it to Mkhize for the ultimate decision.