Big sigh of relief for city boss

MUSA Mbhele, the city manager of eThekwini Municipality, has been cleared of sexual harassment charges filed by a municipal executive director in June.

- ZAINUL DAWOOD

A council meeting held on Monday informed eThekwini councillors of the processes that unfolded during the internal investigation after eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba hired independent investigator Advocate Smanga Setheme to probe the allegation of misconduct against Mbhele.

According to Setheme's report, the allegations against Mbhele were found to be "unsubstantiated and lacking credence," with the recommendation that they be dismissed. The Daily News has chosen to withhold the identity of the complainant.

Xaba had been given the go-ahead to hire Setheme following an eThekwini council meeting on September 3. Setheme has 30 days to conduct his investigation and report his findings.

According to a summarised report presented at the council meeting, Setheme conducted several interviews with those who were present during a meeting where the allegations stemmed from. These included senior municipal officials.