The breakdown in the relationship between KwaZulu-Natal SACP secretary Themba Mthembu and a top provincial leader, Mbuyiseni Mathonsi, has resulted in the latter being suspended from the party.
Mathonsi is now facing a probe after the provincial working committee received reports about his conduct arising from working with Mthembu, who is agriculture and rural development MEC.
The pair served together on the SACP executive from the time Mathonsi served as SA Democratic Teachers’ Union provincial secretary.
In a circular sent to the districts, Mthembu said Mathonsi had been suspended from participating in all SACP structures and organisational activities, pending the probe into the claims against him.
“During his suspension, he will not be allowed to interact with party structures and/or members, including entering the party premises,” Mthembu wrote in a circular dated August 16.
This was confirmed yesterday by the KZN SACP first deputy secretary, Msizi Nhlapo.
“It is difficult to say more because of the investigation, but once everything has been finalised, we will communicate with the media,” he said.
The suspension comes hot on the heels of Mathonsi’s dismissal as Mthembu’s head of ministry in the department.
KZN Premier Willies Mchunu lifted the lid on the fallout between the pair on Thursday when he briefed the KZN legislature.
“The MEC reported to me about the fallout between himself and the head of ministry Mbuyiseni Mathonsi, who filed an urgent application in the Labour Court to be allowed access to his office and for the department to secure his medical aid.
“The court heard the matter and ruled that it was not urgent and it was struck off the roll, with costs,” Mchunu told law-makers.
He also said Mathonsi was quoted in the print media about “unfounded allegations” against Mthembu and that his employment contract had been terminated.
Yesterday, Mathonsi confirmed his suspension from the SACP and dismissal from the department. “As the matter is being handled by the lawyers, I have been advised not to comment,” he said.
Mthembu could not be reached for comment as his cellphone went unanswered.
Khaye Nkwanyana, Mthembu’s spokesperson in the department, said Mathonsi’s dismissal was sparked by newspaper reports where Mathonsi allegedly communicated inaccurate information about Mthembu.
Mathonsi’s approach to the Labour Court had worsened matters, he added.
Nkwanyana traced the fallout between the two to 2016, when Mathonsi was transferred from the office of Mchunu where he had served as the chief of staff.
“When there was engagement between the premier and MEC to transfer him to the department, he was at chief director level. In the department the position was at director level,” Nkwanyana said.
He added that Mathonsi had accepted an offer to be transferred. The salary for a chief director post is R1.068 million a year, while a director pockets R898 743.
According to Nkwanyana, when the post was advertised, Mathonsi allegedly did not apply, citing the post was at a lower level.
The straw that broke the camel’s back was when Mathonsi took the department to the Labour Court amid media leaks against Mthembu.