MEC faces asset auction over R1.14m award

GAUTENG Finance and Economic Development MEC Lebopang Maile and one of his departments face the embarrassment of having expensive furniture and appliances auctioned off by the sheriff to enforce a R1.14 million bargaining council award.

- LOYISO SIDIMBA

Yesterday, the sheriff responsible for Johannesburg Central descended on Maile’s office at Umnotho House on Eloff Street to record an inventory of furniture and appliances across the 15 floors occupied by the provincial Economic Development Department.

This follows the department's Corporate Governance Director, Sibusiso Dlangalala, who obtained an award reinstating him in November last year at the General Public Service Sector Bargaining Council (GPSSBC). Last month, the award was certified by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) in accordance with the Labour Relations Act (LRA).

The LRA states that an arbitration award issued by a commissioner is final and binding and may be enforced as if it were a Labour Court order in respect of which a writ has been issued. After certification, the CCMA then submits the certified award and the completed LRA 7.18 form to the deputy sheriff for enforcement.