Staff Reporter
Mangaung Metro has been forced to make an about-turn on the suspension of city manager Tankiso Mea after it emerged that the proper procedure was not followed in sending him home.
Following his suspension through a council vote last Friday, Mea approached the Free State High Court this week with an urgent application to have his suspension lifted.
The matter, which was supposed to be heard yesterday, was however settled outside court after the legal representatives for the two parties agreed on a compromise.
Mea will however not immediately return to work but will remain at home on a voluntary leave.
Among the issues raised by Mea in his court application was that he was not given an opportunity to give reasons why he should not be suspended.
Agreeing to withdraw his court application, Mea was given the opportunity to submit in writing why he thinks he should not be suspended.
About 61 councillors voted in favour of Mea’s suspension while 29 were against the move.
Mea’s suspension was one of the key demands made by Mangaung Community Concern (MCC), the organisers of the recent shutdown which brought the city to a complete standstill.
He will be investigated for alleged misconduct, among other things.
MCC also wants Mangaung to urgently improve service delivery, improve access to business opportunities for residents, implement sound management in municipal affairs, improve access to land and deal with corrupt and aloof government officials.