/ 20 March 2009

Parliament starts action against its secretary

Parliament’s speaker Gwen Mahlangu-Nkabinde, and the chair of the National Council of Provinces Mninwa Mahlangu have announced that they are instituting disciplinary proceedings against the secretary to Parliament, Zingile Dingani.

“The charges against Mr Dingani relate to conduct inconsistent with the functioning of the secretary to Parliament and dereliction of duty, following an investigation into the activities of the National Council of Provinces secretary, Advocate Lulama Matyolo-Dube,” a statement issued by Parliament said on Friday.

The charges stem from the fact that Dingani failed to take action against Matyolo-Dube when her misconduct was reported to him.

The statement from the presiding officers goes on to say that the proceedings will start on March 30 and will be conducted by an independent chairperson from outside Parliament.

Michael Coetzee, the deputy secretary has been appointed to act in Dingani’s place.

“Parliament is determined that these internal disciplinary proceedings occur in a procedurally fair and correct manner and, therefore, at this stage, has no further comment to make on either the proceedings or specific charges against Mr Dingani,” the statement said.

“The outcome of these disciplinary proceedings cannot be predetermined and Parliament will make further announcements when the proceedings have run their course.

“It is Parliament’s intention to conclude the internal disciplinary proceedings as soon as reasonably possible, with due regard for procedural and substantive fairness.” — I-Net Bridge