Chester Makana

Chester Makana

A senior official at the University of Venda, Yvonne Mogadime, has been drawing a salary for the past two years despite being suspended for misconduct.

Besides earning a salary estimated at between R290000 and R400000 a year for doing nothing, she is also employed as a spokesman by the Commission on Gender Equality.

Sowetan investigations have revealed that Mogadime, who was the director of communications at the university, has been working at the commission since early last year.

She was suspended from her job at the university in 2004 and dismissed after a hearing in 2005. But she appealed against the dismissal, the process of which is still pending.

Mogadime was charged with being absent without leave, harsh behaviour towards colleagues, disrespect for her seniors and contravening the institution's code of conduct.

According to the secretary of the university council, Khuliso Nemadzivhanani, Mogadime has benefited from the current labour relations laws which allow every worker the right to appeal decisions taken against them.

"We found her guilty and dismissed her, but as she has appealed against the decision, we could not expedite the matter because she also interdicted the university from continuing with the proceedings," said Nemadzivhanani.

Mogadime, whose contract ends in January next year, joined the institution in 2002.

Lefa Mallane of the Commission on Gender Equality said Mogadime was appointed following recommendations by the interviewing panel.

Asked if he knew anything about Mogadime's previous employment at the university, Mallane said it was news to him and referred the matter to the chief executive.

Attempts to get comment from Mogadime were unsuccessful.