Sheryl Cwele's salary reinstated

2011-07-21 11:43

Chris Ndaliso, The Witness

Durban - Hibiscus Coast municipal manager Sbu Mkhize has explained why the salary of convicted drug trafficker Sheryl Cwele was reinstated.

Cwele was convicted and sentenced to 12 years for drug trafficking with her co-accused, Nigerian Frank Nabolisa. After she was suspended without pay with effect from June 10, Cwele took the council to the Labour Court to reverse a council resolution regarding her salary. Papers were later filed with the council.

Mkhize said the municipality resolved to request a postponement of the court hearing to allow it time for a thorough consultation, to weigh up the legal costs of the court process and to research whether a precedent has been set in a similar situation.

Following this process, and consultation with all political parties within the municipality, the council realised that the chances of successfully opposing Cwele were slim, the municipal manager said.

“When the case sat on Wednesday July 13, 2011, the municipality acceded to Mrs Cwele’s submission.”

Cwele is now on suspension with full pay, pending the outcome of the disciplinary hearing, Mkhize said, adding that the hearing is at an advanced stage and the committee chairperson could soon determine the sanction.

“We understand and are aware of the interest this has within the public and mainly the media. As the municipality we will ensure to give an update whenever it is necessary. However, we would not like to speculate on sentiments hence due to processes that have to be observed and respected,” Mkhize said.

- The Witness