Klerksdorp Record, Klerksdorp - After days of uncertainty last week over the future of the city’s embattled CFO, the call was eventually made to terminate Mercy Phetla’s service.
It was an inevitable situation, said DA Cllr Gerhard Strydom, Phetla had to go. “Regulations governing disciplinary processes for senior managers are clear. Council has no authority to interfere with the process and legally is obliged to implement the outcome of the disciplinary hearing where she was found guilty of gross misconduct.’’
It turned out to be not so cut and dry and political tension clouded the council meeting on Thursday January 22. Instead of allowing proper procedure, the Speaker abruptly and unlawfully closed the meeting while two proposals were still on the table. Everyone was stunned. The CFO was still CFO even after a disciplinary inquiry found her guilty on five serious charges, including gross misconduct, dishonesty, and dereliction of duty.
Behind the scenes, Strydom revealed that the Speaker then contacted the Presiding Officer and attempted to compel him to report to Council because Council had not approved certain charges. He refused, correctly stating that Council has no jurisdiction in the matter. “The Council cannot override a lawful process. As a result, the MM was left with no choice but to issue a termination letter the next day.’’
Phetla is no longer CFO. She was appointed as CFO January 1, 2023. Last year, she was subjected to an external investigation following allegations of financial misconduct, corruption, and abuse of office. These allegations culminated in a formal disciplinary process and on December 19, she was found guilty on all five charges brought against her.
