Mkhize quits Ezemvelo after deal

Suspended Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife chief executive, Dr Bandile Mkhize, has left the organisation.

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Durban - Suspended Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife chief executive, Dr Bandile Mkhize, has left the organisation after reaching a settlement with his employer.

Mkhize, who has been on suspension for nine months with full pay, earned about R1.6 million a year.

He was suspended, with his chief financial officer, Darius Chitate, in December pending an investigation into the restructuring of executive/management salaries – the so-called “migration” process – at a cost to Ezemvelo of about R20m.

Chitate’s suspension was lifted and he returned to work in March, according to Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife spokesman, Musa Mntambo.

In a statement on Wednesday, Mntambo said the Ezemvelo board and Mkhize had parted ways “amicably”, with effect from September 4.

“The board’s decision was based on its desire to ensure that the organisation becomes stable. Since this came to public attention, it created a strain in the functioning of the organisation. The instability was attracting unnecessary negative publicity. The settlement is, without a doubt, in the best interest of the organisation and will allow the organisation to focus on its conservation mandate without any distractions,” Mntambo said.

He said the settlement was preferred to a prolonged court process.

“After an investigation into the matter, charges were formulated and he was charged. The board, however, saw the settlement as a best option for all parties to move on,” he said.

He said Dr David Mabunda would remain as the acting chief executive until a new head was appointed.

In November, the Daily News reported that Ezemvelo employees had claimed the “migration” process was for the sole benefit of management and at the expense of low-ranking staff.

The report said Ezemvelo’s finances had been compromised by the implementation of the unbudgeted restructuring.

According to a report by a task team set up by MEC Mike Mabuyakhulu, which the Daily News has seen, the process “unduly benefited” management and a handful of other employees at the expense of the majority.

Mkhize on Wednesday confirmed the settlement, but declined to divulge its details.

“I have moved on with my life and I’m happy that this is behind us. I can only say that I’m happy that all the parties concerned can now focus on the future.

“I’m satisfied with my contribution to the conservation of the environment,” Mkhize said.

He had served his first five- year term of office and was suspended while serving the second year of a new five-year contract.

Daily News