The National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union [NEHAWU] welcomes the suspension of the Construction Education and Training Authority [CETA] CEO, Malusi Shezi. He was put on suspension over interference and misconduct by the CETA Board relating to procurement processes at the CETA.
We are vindicated as the union by this suspension. The suspension of Mr Shezi is long overdue and as NEHAWU, we hold a strong view that it should have happened long ago. Since his appointment, Shezi has managed the CETA through an autocratic leadership and intransigent management style and victimised workers.
As NEHAWU, we have consistently pointed out to the public how bad he was for the CETA as far back as 2022. The union had called on the then Minister of DHET, Blade Nzimande to urgently intervene at CETA and ensure proper governance and administration is restored at the institution. However, Minister Nzimande blatantly ignored the union and refused to intervene at the detriment of the CETA.
We further called for the removal of the CEO, Melusi Shezi with immediate effect as he had proven beyond reasonable doubt that his incapable of leading the organisation of significant like CETA.
The national union witnessed maladministration and instability at the CETA under his leadership. We witnessed the continuous abuse of power and total disregard to governance. We witnessed union bashing and victimisation of shop stewards by the CEO of the CETA. Our members have been subjected to continuous victimisation and intimidation by the CEO for raising issues related to maladministration at the CETA.
The problems that engulf the CETA are as a result of Shezi’s poor leadership and management style and we hope his suspension and disciplinary processes will prove us right that people like him do not deserve to lead institutions of this nature and assets established to improving the socio-economic conditions of the most vulnerable and historically excluded people by apartheid system from economic opportunities which result into material change in their livelihood and living conditions for better.
As NEHAWU, we will monitor the situation closely and will be on the lookout for any new developments in relation to this matter.
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Issued by NEHAWU Secretariat.
Zola Saphetha (General Secretary) at 082 558 5968; December Mavuso (Deputy General Secretary) at 082 558 5969; Lwazi Nkolonzi (NEHAWU National Spokesperson) at 081 558 2335 or email: lwazin@nehawu.org.za