Durban - Controversial eThekwini health head Nomakhosi Gxagxisa believes there is a concerted effort behind her suspension to humiliate, victimise and eventually get rid of her.
Gxagxisa was suspended last week on allegations of bringing the council into disrepute.
In her letter, seen by The Mercury and addressed to the officer presiding over her pre-suspension hearing last Monday, Gxagxisa said the city had no just cause to suspend her.
One of the reasons for her suspension was related to her admission of guilt for practising as a medical practitioner while not registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). The city was also investigating Gxagxisa’s involvement in the appointment of the deputy head of health - allegedly without following proper procedures - which led to one of the candidates being aggrieved.
In her reply to the first allegation, Gxagxisa said she had been registered and had given human resources deputy head Bonginkosi Mshengu proof.
“If the employer wants further clarity or additional information regarding this particular matter, the employer can simply contact the HPCSA offices,” she said in her letter, adding that her remaining at work would not jeopardise the city’s investigation.
In her response to the second allegation, Gxagxisa said an aggrieved employee, whose name is known to The Mercury, had lodged a dispute about not being appointed deputy head.
“The matter was conciliated and the employer was represented by Mr Mshengu. I was not present,” her letter says.
Gxagxisa said she was then advised by Mshengu that one of the issues discussed was “the matter of settlement” to avoid a long arbitration process. Mshengu and Gxagxisa had then discussed the possibility of offering the aggrieved employee another deputy head post which was vacant.
Following this, Gxagxisa sought the guidance and permission of her immediate superior, the deputy city manager overseeing her department, Musa Gumede.
Gxagxisa claims to have sent Gumede a text message saying: “To normalise the situation in health and focus on service delivery, I would like to offer (the aggrieved employee) the post that has been vacated… I have spoken to Mshengu and he is in support.”
Gxagxisa said Gumede’s response was: “That’s fine”.
She said Mshengu signed the settlement document with her and Gumede was aware and gave permission.
“I was very shocked when I received a letter of intention to suspend me written by the very same Dr Gumede.”
The investigation is expected to be completed in three months. Speaking on Gumede and Mshengu’s behalf, eThekwini spokesman Thabo Mofokeng said the municipality would not comment on evidence presented during the investigation.
The Mercury