Paul Kirk
Things fell apart for Durban’s director of community and health services this month. First his promotion to the post he has few qualifications for was deemed unreasonable, then he had his law degree revoked.
University of Zululand officials have established that Arnold Shange did not earn his BJuris degree, but was one of about 60 students who bought their degrees.
Shange was appointed director of community and health services almost two years ago. This stunned many as Shange had no experience or education in health issues.
Almost immediately after Shange’s appointment the chief director of health services for the Amanzimtoti area lodged a grievance with the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA). George Lithgow expected to get the job. He had been doing the job Shange got for a number of years.
During the hearings which lasted several days Shange, through his attorney, repeatedly claimed Lithgow had only lodged the grievance because of his racist nature. However the CCMA commissioner noted that Shange and his lawyer had absolutely no proof of racism on Lithgow’s behalf.
Last week Richard Lyster, an arbitrator for the CCMA, ruled that Shange appointment was unreasonable. This means the municipality will have to readvertise the position and start the selection process again.
Shange will not be able to reapply for his job. He is to face a disciplinary hearing which may see him fired.
Shange said he “felt hurt” by the CCMA ruling and would not comment on his degree.