THE six months suspension of the manager in the office of Mookgophong municipality was set aside by a bargaining council yesterday.

Khoro Mathivha was suspended from work on April 30 but was not given reasons for his suspension.

After challenging his suspension, Mathivha finally received a letter that instructed the municipality to reinstate him.

The South African Local Government Bargaining Council has ruled that his suspension was unprocedural because he was never given notice of suspension before the action.

The ruling also orders that Mathivha be reinstated because the municipality had failed to provide him with reasons why he was being suspend.

The municipality has also been ordered to pay the costs of the hearing.

Municipal manager Mokgadi Kgatla served Mathivha with the suspension letter.

Kgatla has since been forced to take leave two weeks ago.

An elated Mathivha, told Sowetan that on arrival at work yesterday people were happy for his return while others were surprised.

"The reception was well, though there were a few individuals who were visibly unhappy about my return," he said.

" I'm going to focus on my job and forget about other things that may derail me from focusing."

Mayor Sarah Lamola yesterday refused to comment on the matter and said she could only do so after seeing the award from the bargaining council.