Durban - Axed Dube TradePort Corporation (DTPC) chief executive, Saxen van Coller, would challenge her dismissal in arbitration and the Labour Court, says a source.
The source said “comprehensive” background checks were done on Van Coller before she was appointed and she felt her dismissal was unfair.
Van Coller declined to comment on Monday.
The DTPC issued a statement on Monday saying Van Coller had been dismissed because she had failed to disclose criminal offences and a conviction against her.
The nature of the offences and details on when they were committed were unclear.
It had been previously reported that Van Coller did not have the academic qualifications that she claimed.
The corporation board suspended Van Coller earlier this year pending the outcome of a disciplinary process which was chaired by an independent presiding officer.
She had been at the helm of the KZN government business entity since March 2013.
The statement said that after the conclusion of the process on May 29, a decision was taken to “summarily dismiss” the chief executive.
“The board agreed that the offences were sufficient grounds for dismissal and has informed Ms Van Coller - who had been suspended since the investigation commenced in March 2015 - of its decision.
“The board views this non-disclosure in a very serious light. Her failure to disclose her criminal record prior to employment at DTPC is not only a serious misrepresentation; it also directly undermines the corporation’s commitment to good corporate governance and integrity,” the board said.
Charges would also be pursued against Van Coller and the board was exploring the possibility of recourse that could be best determined legally.
Hamish Erskine, who has been with the DTPC since 2003, would continue as acting chief executive until a new head was appointed.
The Daily News reported at the time that the suspension and investigation followed the outcome of an “organisational risk assessment” where allegations against her emerged.
Assertions that adequate background checks were done on Van Coller could not be verified on Monday because the DTPC did not respond to questions sent via e-mail at the request of board chairwoman, Dr Bridgette Gasa.
The questions sought to establish whether the background checks were done before Van Coller was appointed, and the nature of the criminal offences and conviction the board referred to.
When Van Coller’s appointment was announced in 2013, Gasa reportedly said: “With expertise in manufacturing, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals and fast-moving consumer goods, Ms Van Coller is well positioned and looking forward to heading one of KZN’s flagship economic development projects.”
Ann McDonnell, DA spokeswoman on Economic Development, said presenting false information when applying for a job was a dismissible offence.
“We were told she falsified university degrees from the US. If the offences have been proven, then the outcome should be dismissal and she should pay back the money she earned,” she said.
Economic Development MEC, Mike Mabuyakhulu, had not been thoroughly briefed yet, his spokes-man, Bheko Madlala, said.
Daily News