FOUR members of the Joburg Metro Trading Company board have resigned in protest against politicians meddling in corporate governance matters.

The board members, including chairperson Thulani Nzimakwe, submitted their resignation letters to the City on Monday, after fired MTC chief executive officer Alfred Sam was reinstated by the mayoral committee.

In June, the board reached a settlement to part ways with Sam without going through the disciplinary process. Sam faced 14 charges of misconduct, which included allegations that he exceeded the authority of his financial delegation and failed to follow regular processes in awarding tenders.

When the board's decision was taken to the mayoral committee for approval, the City, under the leadership of mayor Amos Masondo, told the board to "seek an alternative".

During a mayoral committee meeting chaired by Masondo last month, a decision was taken that Sam be reinstated as CEO. Four members resigned when Sam reported for work on Monday.

The City's executive director Jason Ngobeni said yesterday that members of the board who quit "did not state their reasons for leaving".

"It might have to do with the fact of the resumption of duty by the CEO, but I do not know," Ngobeni said.

He said the mayoral committee was correctly not happy with "processes that were followed by the board in reaching a decision related to Sam". The committee would be informed about the resignation of Dr Kennedy Dakile, Ndabezinhle Mabaso, Adrienne Egbers and Nzimakwe.

Five board members have remained, but sources have predicted more resignations next week. The MTC is responsible for managing taxi ranks, street stalls and demarcated vending stalls.