Unfair Dismissal of Sophia Cloete (Parney) by Hessequa Municipality
The Issue
Petition to Object to the Unfair Dismissal of a Dedicated Municipal Accounting Employee (Parney)
To:
The Municipal Council
Hessequa Municipality
Riversdale
Cc:
Municipal Manager, Albert de Klerk
Chairperson of the Council
Public Protector South Africa
Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA)
Date: 15 June 2025
Subject: Petition Objecting to the Unfair Dismissal of Ms. Sophia Cloete (Parney), Municipal Accounting Employee
Dear Honourable Members of the Municipal Council,
We, the undersigned residents and concerned stakeholders of Hessequa Municipality, hereby submit this petition to formally object to the recent dismissal of Ms. Sophia Cloete, a dedicated and hardworking accounting employee at Hessequa Municipality for over 17 years.
Ms. Cloete has consistently demonstrated integrity, transparency, and diligence in managing municipal finances. The sudden and unexplained dismissal raises serious concerns regarding the fairness, transparency, and legality of the process followed.
Our Concerns
Lack of Due Process:
The dismissal appears to have been executed without proper adherence to the Labour Relations Act and the municipality’s disciplinary procedures.
Absence of Clear Justification:
No valid reasons have been communicated to the public or Ms. Cloete regarding the grounds for dismissal.
Impact on Service Delivery:
The removal of an experienced accounting officer threatens effective management of municipal funds and could negatively affect service delivery, particularly indigent support services. Numerous public references attest to Ms. Cloete’s dedication and service.
Potential Retaliation:
There are concerns that the dismissal may be retaliatory, related to Ms. Cloete’s exposure of irregularities or opposition to malpractice.
Our Demands
Immediate reinstatement of Ms. Sophia Cloete pending a fair and transparent investigation.
A full and independent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding her dismissal.
Allegations of Irregular Appointments in Midvaal Municipality
We request a thorough investigation into whether Municipal Manager Albert de Klerk disclosed his suspension history from Midvaal Municipality in 2019 to Hessequa Municipality officials during his appointment process. It is noted that Mr. De Klerk was placed on special leave at Midvaal Municipality but resigned before the investigation into the matter was concluded.
Former Midvaal Mayor Baloyi said at the time, "that there were signs of some sort of systematic manipulation of the process regarding these appointments".
Allegations of de Klerk’s irregular appointment in Langeberg, a active citizenry group raised serious concerns about de Klerks appointment in Langeberg Municipality in 2021. They said that the charge brought against him of misconduct, dereliction of duties and fraud by Midvaal Municipality was unanswered as he resigned before the investigation.
A full and independent investigation into other dismissals and hiring practices within Hessequa Municipality under Mr. De Klerk since 2022.
Assurance that all municipal employees will be treated fairly and protected from unfair labour practices.
Public communication from the municipality clarifying the reasons for Ms. Cloete’s dismissal and the steps being taken to address this issue.
Additional Concerns Regarding the Municipal Manager de Klerk
His appointment in Hessequa Municipality in 2022, despite his suspension in Midvaal in 2019
Questionable expenditure:
Approximately R1.8 million spent on internal forensic investigations with no meaningful sanctions against guilty parties, found guilty of gross negligence which lead to indirect and direct revenue losses of R20 million.
Intimidation tactics:
Compiling dossiers on private individuals and spending municipal funds on unsuccessful legal opinions despite municipal legal advice, against Hessequas own legal advice.
Undue influence:
Attempts to hinder responsiveness to ratespayers’ queries and refusal of the Municipal Manager to meet with Councillors.
Harassment by HR management :
De Klerk is toleration of intimidation against former female municipal staff members. This is been on voice recording and was submitted to council.
Allegations of preferential hiring:
Preference given to candidates (his secretary) allegedly submitting insufficient required qualifications over a qualified candidate of colour, who submitted all required qualification including the N6 certification.
Mayority council voting down a further fully independent investigation into these allegations and a full independent investigation into de Klerk with considering a suspension in December 2024.
We trust the Municipal Council will treat this petition with the seriousness it deserves and act in the interest of justice, transparency, and good governance.
Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.
Signed:
Alexander Panzek
WhatsApp/Call: 079 707 6401
Victory
The Issue
Petition to Object to the Unfair Dismissal of a Dedicated Municipal Accounting Employee (Parney)
To:
The Municipal Council
Hessequa Municipality
Riversdale
Cc:
Municipal Manager, Albert de Klerk
Chairperson of the Council
Public Protector South Africa
Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA)
Date: 15 June 2025
Subject: Petition Objecting to the Unfair Dismissal of Ms. Sophia Cloete (Parney), Municipal Accounting Employee
Dear Honourable Members of the Municipal Council,
We, the undersigned residents and concerned stakeholders of Hessequa Municipality, hereby submit this petition to formally object to the recent dismissal of Ms. Sophia Cloete, a dedicated and hardworking accounting employee at Hessequa Municipality for over 17 years.
Ms. Cloete has consistently demonstrated integrity, transparency, and diligence in managing municipal finances. The sudden and unexplained dismissal raises serious concerns regarding the fairness, transparency, and legality of the process followed.
Our Concerns
Lack of Due Process:
The dismissal appears to have been executed without proper adherence to the Labour Relations Act and the municipality’s disciplinary procedures.
Absence of Clear Justification:
No valid reasons have been communicated to the public or Ms. Cloete regarding the grounds for dismissal.
Impact on Service Delivery:
The removal of an experienced accounting officer threatens effective management of municipal funds and could negatively affect service delivery, particularly indigent support services. Numerous public references attest to Ms. Cloete’s dedication and service.
Potential Retaliation:
There are concerns that the dismissal may be retaliatory, related to Ms. Cloete’s exposure of irregularities or opposition to malpractice.
Our Demands
Immediate reinstatement of Ms. Sophia Cloete pending a fair and transparent investigation.
A full and independent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding her dismissal.
Allegations of Irregular Appointments in Midvaal Municipality
We request a thorough investigation into whether Municipal Manager Albert de Klerk disclosed his suspension history from Midvaal Municipality in 2019 to Hessequa Municipality officials during his appointment process. It is noted that Mr. De Klerk was placed on special leave at Midvaal Municipality but resigned before the investigation into the matter was concluded.
Former Midvaal Mayor Baloyi said at the time, "that there were signs of some sort of systematic manipulation of the process regarding these appointments".
Allegations of de Klerk’s irregular appointment in Langeberg, a active citizenry group raised serious concerns about de Klerks appointment in Langeberg Municipality in 2021. They said that the charge brought against him of misconduct, dereliction of duties and fraud by Midvaal Municipality was unanswered as he resigned before the investigation.
A full and independent investigation into other dismissals and hiring practices within Hessequa Municipality under Mr. De Klerk since 2022.
Assurance that all municipal employees will be treated fairly and protected from unfair labour practices.
Public communication from the municipality clarifying the reasons for Ms. Cloete’s dismissal and the steps being taken to address this issue.
Additional Concerns Regarding the Municipal Manager de Klerk
His appointment in Hessequa Municipality in 2022, despite his suspension in Midvaal in 2019
Questionable expenditure:
Approximately R1.8 million spent on internal forensic investigations with no meaningful sanctions against guilty parties, found guilty of gross negligence which lead to indirect and direct revenue losses of R20 million.
Intimidation tactics:
Compiling dossiers on private individuals and spending municipal funds on unsuccessful legal opinions despite municipal legal advice, against Hessequas own legal advice.
Undue influence:
Attempts to hinder responsiveness to ratespayers’ queries and refusal of the Municipal Manager to meet with Councillors.
Harassment by HR management :
De Klerk is toleration of intimidation against former female municipal staff members. This is been on voice recording and was submitted to council.
Allegations of preferential hiring:
Preference given to candidates (his secretary) allegedly submitting insufficient required qualifications over a qualified candidate of colour, who submitted all required qualification including the N6 certification.
Mayority council voting down a further fully independent investigation into these allegations and a full independent investigation into de Klerk with considering a suspension in December 2024.
We trust the Municipal Council will treat this petition with the seriousness it deserves and act in the interest of justice, transparency, and good governance.
Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.
Signed:
Alexander Panzek
WhatsApp/Call: 079 707 6401
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Petition created on June 15, 2025