The Nelson Mandela Foundation has shown its CEO Sello Hatang the back of the door after an internal investigation.
Hatang had been placed on special leave after complaints by staff about his conduct in the workplace. Nelson Mandela Foundation board chairperson Njabulo Ndebele announced Hatang’s dismissal in a statement on Wednesday.
According to Ndebele, the complaints centred around Hatang and came after his announcement on May 2 that he was resigning as the foundation’s CEO.
As Hatang was still serving his notice, Ndebele said he was placed on special leave while the complaints were independently investigated.
The investigation took into consideration the rights of the complainants and Hatang, he said, adding that it also considered the board’s commitment to entrench the foundation’s core values of respect and trust.
“After considering the outcomes of the independent investigation, and ensuring that the process had been conducted fairly and without prejudice, the board concluded that Mr Hatang’s conduct had been unbecoming and was unacceptable for someone in his position and that he should be summarily dismissed,” said Ndebele.
He added that the board could not comment further on the specifics of the matter, save to say that it has caused much distress to the foundation, its employees, and its broader community of stakeholders.
The chairperson said the focus was for the foundation to continue with its activities, specifically an approach to Madiba’s birthday commemorations on July 18, and also on fulfilling its mandate to promote Madiba’s vision of freedom and equality for all.
The process of appointing a new CEO is expected to begin soon.
“Alongside this, the trustees are working closely with the interim management of the foundation to ensure a process of rebuilding staff morale after this extremely difficult episode.
“I would like to personally assure you that the board is fully focused on ensuring the continuity of NMF [Nelson Mandela Foundation] activities. We look forward to your continued involvement.”
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