Cape Town ratepayers have coughed up R1.6m over the past two months to cover the salaries of 28 suspended municipal employees.
Responding to questions from IOL, the city’s spokesperson, Luthando Tyhalibongo said the affected employees have been suspended since July 1.
“Twenty-eight employees have been suspended since July 1, 2025 to date,” he said.
Asked to explain the figure and what it covered, Tyhalibongo said it did not include “legal or HR-related costs, just suspension costs”.
He said it referred to salaries, temporary replacements or stand-ins, and mediation.
Tyhalibongo said the offences included gross dishonesty, gross negligence, assault, sexual harassment, and other serious misconduct which brought the city’s name into disrepute.
Tyhalibongo said the suspensions typically last six months but can be extended.
“Collective agreement allows for a period not longer than 6 months, but under exceptional circumstances it can be extended to 6 months.”
He said some employees had already been dismissed.
“Some employees have been dismissed, and where the elements of misconduct constituted an alleged criminal offence, these were reported to the police.”
Tyhalibongo said the city was taking steps to reduce misconduct and improve accountability.
“The city continuously issues communications to all staff reconfirming the rules, ethical conduct guidelines, roles and responsibilities.
“This is supported by workshops and monthly training interventions.”
According to a PDF document on the city’s website, it employs over 27,000 staff members.
“The city is committed to retaining, growing and attracting talent, developing a fair work environment that allows for recognition and reward, and creating a better workplace for all employees.”
It also referred to itself as a world-class employer.
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