A senior human resources manager in the Construction Education and Training Authority (Ceta) has accused the chief executive officer (CEO), Malusi Shezi, of firing him as a means to hide the gross misconduct and corruption at the organisation.
This week Brian Tyebileyo was axed after Ceta established that he had irregularly remained as an employee of the organisation beyond the term of his employment. Tyebileyo was earning a salary of just over R100 000 per month for two years after his contract expired.
Sunday World is in possession of a legal opinion by Ceta’s senior manager of legal and compliance, Nqobile Thungo, which sets out that Tyebileyo was initially appointed for a six-month contract, which was extended to a year. However, the organisation was under no obligation to hire him permanently.
While insisting that Tyebileyo had to be removed, Ceta spokesperson Lebogang Pasha admitted that the senior HR manager has been employed on a month-to-month basis because another contract was not signed.
“Ceta management decided to give notice to terminate the employment contract of Mr Brian Tyebileyo following a thorough internal process. The legal opinion also confirmed that there was no legal basis to continue the relationship, as Mr Tyebileyo’s initial six-month contract ended in June 2023.”
The senior manager, however, told Sunday World that the allegations against him were used to divert the public from the rampant corruption at the organisation. He claimed that Shezi intentionally removed him after realising that he “could not be bought”.
The last contract, which was signed by Tyebileyo and dated December 12, 2022, states that his contract would be extended for a period not exceeding six months or until a permanent senior manager was appointed.
Tyebileyo was also tasked to assist with appointing a permanent manager; however, this instruction was never followed.
In the letter of termination addressed to Tyebileyo from Shezi this week, he explained that the HR manager was unable to fulfil his duties. The letter also sets out that Tyebileyo is expected to serve his four-week notice period from his residence.
Tyebileyo claims that Ceta started its restructuring shortly after his arrival, which led to a decision to freeze the majority of vacant posts, which explains why he is still an employee two years after his contract ended.
However, Pasha disagrees. “Mr Tyebileyo failed to recruit a senior manager for more than two years because he was conflicted and personally benefiting from not filling this role.”
Tyebileyo shared a statement confirming that Ceta paid R105 500 for his studies at Henley College. He questions why the institution would grant a bursary to an individual whose contract was unlawful.
Phasha explained that Tyebileyo was the one who was responsible for approving bursaries.
“This is again where the conflict of interest comes in. This is a competency of the HR department; of course, he will grant himself a bursary.”
Shezi has also laid criminal charges against Tyebileyo for failing to return the organisation’s electronic devices, according to Pasha.
A memo was sent a fortnight ago requesting that all executives, officials, and junior staff members hand over Ceta’s gadgets to security on 18 July, as the entity was going to conduct internal investigations in search of the person who leaked internal confidential information to third parties.
Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed that the case of theft was opened against Tyebileyo and said that the matter is still under investigation.
