Sinokubonga Nkala
Zimpapers Sports Hub
HIGHLANDERS have been ordered to reinstate their suspended finance officer Sihlalisiwe Mnkandla with immediate effect following a Labour Court ruling.
Bosso lost its labour case against their suspended finance officer which has been dragging for close to a year.
Mnkandla, the long-serving finance officer, was suspended in November last year, accused of failing to provide financial documents requested by auditors and suspected fraud.
She was also accused of insubordination.
The suspension did not go down well with Mnkandla, who promptly hired a law firm, Calderwood, Bryce Hendrie and Partners, demanding to be reinstated.
When her demands were not met, she proceeded to take legal action against the club.
The matter is said to have initially not been entertained by the appointed Labour officer, but was later referred to another officer on November 24, who set the matter for a hearing on December 11.
At the hearing, Mnkandla, represented by her counsel, Shepherd Chamunorwa, and Highlanders, represented by Nqobani Sithole, presented their arguments.
The court ultimately ruled in favour of Mnkandla, ordering that her suspension be lifted, and she be reinstated to her original job with immediate effect.
Furthermore, the court ordered Highlanders FC to pay Mnkandla her full salary and benefits from the date of suspension to the date of lifting of the suspension on or before December 27, 2024.
The agreement was signed by Highlanders secretary, Morgen Gazza Dube, and Mnkandla, in the presence of their attorneys at the court.
Notwithstanding the court’s ruling, Highlanders FC is still free to pursue disciplinary action against Mrs Mnkandla, as stated in the letter of suspension dated November 28, 2023.
