14 Nov 2022

Mr Monthusi Sinvula is back as chairperson of Sankoyo Tshwaragano Management Trust.

He was fired by the board in July, on allegations of serious misconduct, and immediately replaced through a formal voting process by the community.

A complaint from a concerned group who demanded answers on Mr Sinvula’s dismissal resulted in a resolution by the community to reinstate him.

Villagers argued during a special meeting recently that the board misled them and acted out of emotions since they were not empowered to fire a member without consulting the community that elected the board.

They appealed to the office of the district commissioner, to seek a waiver to allow for 11 board members instead of 10 as stipulated by the trust constitution.

The waiver would only last until 2024, when the term for the current board elapses, to cater for the new member who was elected following Mr Sinvula’s dismissal.

Reasons to reinstate the chairperson according to the community was to avoid spending more money on court cases.

Earlier on, the current chairperson, Mr Kempho Kedikilwe informed the gathering that the decision to fire Mr Sinvula was informed by advice from a legal advisor. 

He said other members of the board were against the interpretation of clause 8.1.3.2 used in the constitution and insisted that the letter of expulsion be withdrawn.

The clause states that becoming an employee of the trust or any, partnership, business undertaking or other organisation with whom the trust enters in any contract, joint venture or other agreement is automatically disqualified.

Efforts to seek advice from the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), he said were in vain as the committee took long to respond, leaving them with no choice but to take a decision deemed to be in the interest of the trust.

“We believe that this decision could not have been taken, had TAC reverted on time. We welcome the community’s decision to reinstate Mr Sinvula pending a waiver,” stated Mr Kedikilwe.

Kgosi Gokgathang Moalosi of Sankoyo said the trust should admit that they erred by expelling Mr Sinvula from the board without consulting the community.

“I could have advised better if I had first-hand information but I was equally misled just like the community. As board you do not have powers to expel a member of the board as per our constitution,” stated Kgosi Moalosi.

Maun Administrative Authority, deputy district commissioner, Mr Boammaruri Otlhogile concurred that the board and the community made a mistake. He also said TAC failed the board by taking long to respond. Ends