Sandile Dlamuka challenges hiring practices at enterprise ilembe

Improper hiring practices at Enterprise Ilembe, an economic development agency linked to the District Municipality, have become a major talking point within the northern KwaZulu-Natal entity.

This came after Sandile Dlamuka was overlooked for the position of investment officer with the economic development agency, in spite of finishing at the top of the pile during the interview process.

Dlamuka claimed he was also handed a letter of appointment for the position, but it was not brought into effect.

He has since taken his grievance to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) after claiming that he was overlooked for the role in favour of a politically connected candidate.

Dlamuka's journey began in January 2023 when he submitted his application for the investment officer position, which carries the important task of spearheading feasibility studies and ensuring local projects were prepared for investment.

After successfully securing an offer and passing the relevant security, verification, and reference checks, he was disappointed to learn that the agency’s CEO, Siyabonga Mazibuko, opted for a 'friend' who scored lower than him during the interview process.

The Daily News has seen documentation that indicates Dlamuka scored the highest among five candidates interviewed.

Dlamuka expressed his determination to pursue justice, stating, “I have a good lawyer; he filed the papers to the CCMA so that we can get a certificate and take the case to the Labour Court.

"It seems I am on the right track to challenge them, and I’m hoping to win the case.”

His quest for accountability followed his disappointment when he raised the matter with the SAPS. He was advised to seek resolution through the CCMA and consider further legal options.

Both the spokesperson for Enterprise Ilembe, Thobile Nxumalo, and their CEO have refrained from commenting on the allegations made by Dlamuka.

Dlamuka has expressed his frustration with the agency’s lack of communication, stating that his repeated attempts to reach out to the board’s chairperson have also been ignored.

“My letters and emails have gone unanswered, which adds to my sense of injustice,” he lamented. Dlamuka claimed that he had documentation indicating he was officially appointed to the position on 2 March 2023.

This assertion has been dismissed as “false and misleading” by Nxumalo, who defended their hiring decision and said the agency followed a “fair and transparent” recruitment process. Nxumalo insisted that the appointed candidate met all necessary qualifications.

DAILY NEWS