REINSTATED: KZN CoGTA Deputy Director for Fire and Rescue Services, Mncedisi Makuyi, has been reinstated to his lucrative government job. Photo: Facebook

A government employee who alleged that he was dismissed by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) for his involvement in the Umkhonto Wesizwe Party (MKP) has been reinstated to his position.

Mncedisi Makuyi, who served as Deputy Director for Fire and Rescue Services, was fired on May 15 this year following an internal disciplinary hearing.

He used a legal provision to appeal his dismissal directly to MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi. In his appeal letter, he argued that his dismissal sacking had nothing to do with absenteeism as alleged because he took his sick and leave days.

Makuyi claimed his termination was politically motivated, alleging that some officials in the department were purging staff members who had joined or were perceived to be sympathetic to the MK Party.

Makuyi is the current spokesperson of the MK Party in the Uthukela district which includes towns like Ladysmith, Estcourt and Bergville, among others.

After months of deliberation, Buthelezi ruled in Makuyi’s favour. In a letter on Monday, 25 November 2024, Buthelezi informed Makuyi of his reinstatement to his position.

“After careful consideration of the evidence before me and the relevant legislation, I make a finding to reinstate you to your previous post of Deputy Director: Disaster Management: Fire and Rescue Services.

“You are therefore, deemed to have been reinstated from the Public Service as at 15 May 2024,” read the letter.

Speaking to the African Times, Makuyi expressed his satisfaction with the ruling, commending Buthelezi for prioritising fairness over political affiliations.

“He looked beyond the fact that he is from the IFP (Inkatha Freedom Party) and I am from the MK Party and made a fair ruling. I truly appreciate the way he has ruled on the matter,” said Makuyi.