FILE PHOTO: Nelson Mandela Foundation chief executive officer Sello Hatang has been fired. PICTURE: Supplied
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0 JOHANNESBURG: The Nelson Mandela Foundation’s Board has dismissed chief executive officer, Mr Sello Hatang.
This follows the outcomes of an investigation into his conduct after complaints by some employees. Mr Sello Hatang’s conduct was probed by an independent law firm Bowman Gilfillan after allegations made by a whistleblower.
At the time, the Chairperson of the foundation, Professor Njabulo Ndebele refused to divulge more details but it was alleged that staff felt victimised with some claiming that there is a high level of nepotism and a general climate of fear in the organisation.
Professor Ndebele has maintained calmness and asked the independent investigators to be given a chance to complete their work. He said the investigation took into consideration the rights of the complainants and Mr Hatang. In addition, it considered the Board’s commitment to entrenching 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,” he said.
However, Professor Ndebele said they could not comment further on the specifics of the matter as it has caused much distress to the foundation, its employees, and its broader community of stakeholders.
He 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 the Foundation’s mandate of promoting Madiba’s vision of freedom and equality for all.
Mr Hatang has been on special leave since his resignation in May. The Foundation said it will soon begin the process of appointing a new CEO.
“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,” he said.
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