Fired NACB head loses against Rakgare
Thursday, November 14, 2024 | 480 Views |
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Ellis had urgently approached the court following her dismissal just before the 2024 General Election, seeking to interdict the termination of her employment contract. She argued that her dismissal was not constitutional as she was fired for only refusing to accept corruption. Furthermore, she argued that there was a personal vendetta by former Minister Rakgare to oust her to enable him misuse of public funds.
However, Judge Tshepo Motswagole dismissed her application with costs this morning. In his judgment, Justice Motswagole found that Ellis’s application was not urgent. "I have come to the conclusion that the applicant's case is no different from the many cases of dismissal of employees that are pending before the courts,” Motswagole said. Judge Motswagole said the applicant should explore other ways to seek remedy. “There is no doubt that the applicant had other alternatives reliefs at her disposal such as review proceedings or action for damages for breach of contract or other similar reliefs,” he said.
When claims of such gravity are made, especially by a sitting Assistant Minister they cannot be brushed aside, delayed, or treated as routine political noise. Even the Ombudsman has confirmed receipt of a report from a political party and a review of these complaints is now underway. That is a necessary first step. But it is only the beginning. The seriousness of the allegations demands urgency, transparency and clarity. The public is entitled to...