News / National
Court orders Bosso to reinstate Finance Officer
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Highlanders Football Club has been directed to reinstate their suspended finance officer, Sihlalisiwe Mnkandla, following a Labour Court ruling in her favor. The court's decision concludes a nearly year-long legal battle over her suspension.
Mnkandla, a long-serving finance officer at Highlanders, was suspended in November 2023 amid allegations of failing to provide financial documents requested by auditors, suspected fraud, and insubordination. Dissatisfied with the suspension, she enlisted the services of Calderwood, Bryce Hendrie and Partners to demand reinstatement.
When her demands were not met, Mnkandla initiated legal proceedings against the club.
Initially, the case was dismissed by the appointed Labour officer. However, it was referred to another officer on November 24, 2023, who scheduled a hearing for December 11. During the hearing, Mnkandla was represented by her lawyer, Shepherd Chamunorwa, while Highlanders FC was represented by Nqobani Sithole.
The Labour Court ruled in Mnkandla's favor, ordering her immediate reinstatement to her original position. Additionally, Highlanders FC was directed to pay her full salary and benefits from the date of her suspension to the date of reinstatement. The club must fulfill this financial obligation by December 27, 2024.
The agreement was formalized in court, with signatures from Highlanders secretary Morgen Gazza Dube and Mnkandla, in the presence of their respective legal representatives.
While Mnkandla has been reinstated, the court acknowledged Highlanders' right to pursue disciplinary action against her. This aligns with the terms outlined in her suspension letter dated November 28, 2023.
The ruling poses a significant financial and operational challenge for Highlanders FC, as they must not only reintegrate Mnkandla but also address her back pay and benefits. Furthermore, the possibility of ongoing disciplinary action could extend tensions within the club.
The case highlights the importance of adhering to labor laws and procedural fairness, especially within high-profile organizations like Highlanders FC. As the club navigates this ruling, it remains to be seen how the matter will impact their administrative operations going forward.
Mnkandla, a long-serving finance officer at Highlanders, was suspended in November 2023 amid allegations of failing to provide financial documents requested by auditors, suspected fraud, and insubordination. Dissatisfied with the suspension, she enlisted the services of Calderwood, Bryce Hendrie and Partners to demand reinstatement.
When her demands were not met, Mnkandla initiated legal proceedings against the club.
Initially, the case was dismissed by the appointed Labour officer. However, it was referred to another officer on November 24, 2023, who scheduled a hearing for December 11. During the hearing, Mnkandla was represented by her lawyer, Shepherd Chamunorwa, while Highlanders FC was represented by Nqobani Sithole.
The agreement was formalized in court, with signatures from Highlanders secretary Morgen Gazza Dube and Mnkandla, in the presence of their respective legal representatives.
While Mnkandla has been reinstated, the court acknowledged Highlanders' right to pursue disciplinary action against her. This aligns with the terms outlined in her suspension letter dated November 28, 2023.
The ruling poses a significant financial and operational challenge for Highlanders FC, as they must not only reintegrate Mnkandla but also address her back pay and benefits. Furthermore, the possibility of ongoing disciplinary action could extend tensions within the club.
The case highlights the importance of adhering to labor laws and procedural fairness, especially within high-profile organizations like Highlanders FC. As the club navigates this ruling, it remains to be seen how the matter will impact their administrative operations going forward.
Source - the chronicle
