A senior official in the KwaZulu-Natal public works department has been suspended for taking “sick leave” only to show up for a press conference announcing his new membership in the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP).
In a letter dated May 18, Dr Vish Govender, the acting head of department, approved the suspension of Nhlakanipho “Cheese” Sibisi, the district manager for the Zululand district north coast regional office in Ulundi.
Sibisi, who defected to the MKP nearly two weeks ago, was the former ANC treasurer for the Mzala Nxumalo region (Zululand).
MK Party press conference
On Friday, the provincial leadership of the MKP, led by Willies Mchunu and Simphiwe Mpungose, unveiled Sibisi together with Edward Zuma, the son of MKP leader Jacob Zuma, in a press conference that was held in Eshowe, northern KwaZulu-Natal.
Now, that has put Sibisi in a difficult situation with his unyielding boss.
“We hereby notify you that you are placed on precautionary suspension with immediate effect due to the following preliminary allegations levelled against you.
“You submitted a sick leave application for the period 10 May 2025 to 13 June 2025, claiming to be unwell and receiving full pay during this time.
“However, on May 16, 2025, you participated in a political rally, knowingly engaging in political activities without the necessary approval, despite being on approved sick leave while on full pay,” reads the letter of suspension.
Gross financial misconduct
Sibisi also faces charges of gross financial misconduct in relation to a grass-cutting tender for the LA Building in Ulundi.
In addition, he was accused by the department of disobeying a legitimate directive that was sent to him on March 25 by the director of enterprise risk and integrity management; however, no particulars were provided.
“The period of suspension will allow the employer to investigate the allegations,” Sibisi was told in the letter.
An internal memo informed the department’s staff on Tuesday morning of Sibisi’s suspension. Sibisi’s suspension with immediate effect has been confirmed by the department.
“He is accused of gross financial mismanagement [and] failure to follow official directive,” the department told Sunday World.
