Durban - MTHOKOSIZI Duze, the suspended chief executive at Mhlathuze Water, has spoken about his “frustration” at being on indefinite leave while the board of the water utility finalises its charges against him.
Duze said he did not know why he was sitting at home instead of being at work. He and Babongile Mnyandu, the chief financial officer, were placed on 30 days special leave in December pending an investigation into “undisclosed” allegations.
The duo were supposed to be back at work in January, but their suspension was extended on several occasions. The Richards Bay-based entity responsible for the water supply in the northern part of KZN has been in the spotlight over corruption allegations.
The Sunday Tribune reported on a whistle-blower’s report that alleged that Thabi Shange, chairperson of the board, abused her power. That matter is still being investigated.
This week Duze said he found the process unfair. “It was only in rumours that there was a whistle-blower implicating me and the CFO. We have never been shown the alleged report implicating us. It was fair enough that the suspension was for one month, but it has been extended several times.
“Even in that period we do not know what the allegations are. “One would have expected that the extension was to ensure that they leave no stone unturned which must include sourcing a version from me.
“Investigators have not approached me to this date, to tell me these are the allegations and ask for my response. “At the heart of it, I was the accounting officer. If anyone is genuine about knowing what happened they must ask my version.
“I’m concerned because the investigation seemingly pursues the narrative that may be one-sided,” Duze said.
There have been growing calls by members of the board and officials for Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu to intervene on the affairs of Mhlathuze Water. But the minister has yet to make a call.
In response to Duze’s allegations, Shange asked to be given a space, adding that divulging the allegations would be an interference. She said the senior officials were placed on precautionary suspension as the institution wanted to establish whether the allegations against them were legitimate.
“I can assure you that the investigation is at a very advanced stage and the report is imminent.
“This is an internal process and independent. We are not ready to share with the media at this stage.
“We are pleading with you (the media) to allow us to process this so we don’t make mistakes that will harm the affected people,” she said.
Shange maintained that Mhlathuze Water was fully functional despite the absence of the senior official.
SUNDAY TRIBUNE