The municipal manager of the beleaguered Beaufort West municipality was once again suspended on Friday, his third suspension in six months.
Jackson Penxa was meant to report for duty on Friday, as his second three month-long suspension ended on Thursday. But the municipal council resolved to suspend him once again.
“I hereby would like to inform you that you are suspended as from August 12 to November 11 with full remuneration (R90 000 a month) pending the outcome of the investigation against you for the alleged serious misconduct,” read a letter issued to Penxa, signed by mayor Thershia Prince, wife of Truman Prince, the previous mayor.
The serious misconduct referred to, as per Weekend Argus’ understanding, relates to the alleged failure to carry out lawful instructions, the delivery of a poor and or inadequate performance, prejudicing the administration, discipline or efficiency of the municipality.
“It is related but not limited to the leases for the local gym and roadhouse,” read the charge sheet drafted by the municipality.
“(It also relates to) the management of fraudulent, excessive or inaccurate overtime and acting allowances, the continuation and or authorisation of payments made for the contract of RLJ trading,” it read.
RLJ is a security company whose ties to the municipality were severed after Penxa reportedly suspected that their services contained irregularities.
Penxa referred to his latest suspension as ridiculous.
“I’m sure I’ve made history to be suspended three times within six months,” a frustrated Penxa said.
“This is unnecessary and of course, you know, such things take a toll on your family ... yesterday it was my last day of suspension, so I wrote to the mayor informing her that I will be reporting for duty on Friday because my three months expired,” he said, adding that “she suspended me again the next day.”
Penxa said he is in consultation with his legal team.
“I will ask for a cost order and I know my application will definitely succeed,” he said.
He denied any and all allegations.
“It’s nonsense, it’s ridiculous, I did nothing wrong.
“I was not raised by thieves and nor was I raised to be a thief, I wouldn’t even bring a toy home, my mom would ask where did I get it and that I should take it back,” he said.
Weekend Argus understand that a disciplinary hearing will be conducted on August 24 where Penxa’s fate will be discussed.
Prince confirmed the latest suspension to Weekend Argus.
The South African Communist Party, which is an ANC alliance partner - a party which is in coalition with the Patriotic Alliance in the municipality - raised questions on Penxa’s suspension.
“As the SACP in the Central Karoo we see this suspension as a complete and deliberate intention to capture the municipality, the Gayton McKenzie crew has a huge agenda to ensure that all the housing, infrastructure and municipality land is distributed among his people,” said the party’s Mawonga Furmen.
Earlier this year the Western Cape government and municipality formally agreed to a Financial Recovery Plan (FRP) for the financially troubled municipality.
Beaufort West is also among four municipalities in the Western Cape which owe Eskom millions in arrears.
Weekend Argus