Road Agency Limpopo (RAL) has been forced by the High Court, Limpopo division to reinstate its fired CEO and the board of directors.
The court on Tuesday reinstated CEO Gabriel Maluleke and its Board of Directors, effective immediately.
The decision was met with relief from RAL Chairperson Matome Ralebipi, who welcomed the court order and assured that service delivery to the people of Limpopo would continue.
“As the chairperson of the Board of Directors, I acknowledge and welcome the court order on behalf of the rest of the members. We will comply with the court order and work with the MEC for Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure and all parties to ensure service delivery continues.”
However, the Limpopo Department of Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure on Wednesday expressed disappointment and shock at the ruling, vowing to appeal the decision.
In a statement, the department said after consulting with legal representatives, it filed an application for leave to appeal on Wednesday which suspended the court’s order.
The department cited concerns over potential uncertainty, confusion, and panic that could irreparably damage RAL’s operations.
It requested an urgent written reasons from the presiding judge to expedite the appeal process.
In the order, Judge M Naude-Odendaal wrote: “Pending the hearing of the review application, the status quo as at 30 July 2024 shall remain, ie. the Board of Directors of the respondent (Rachoene) as it was constituted on 30 July 2024, excluding those directors who have resigned, remains the governing and controlling body of the respondent.“
Recently, Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure MEC Ernest Rachoene has been under fire with allegations that he wanted to get rid of Maluleke and the Board so that he could employ his own people after he was appointed MEC following the May 29 elections.
In a turn of events, three Board members tendered their resignations early this year, leaving the Board without a quorum.
The development came hot on the heels of Limpopo premier Phophi Ramathuba’s concerns about RAL’s tendency to embark on projects without an approved budget.
Rachoene confirmed receiving the resignation letters, highlighting that the board already had a vacant position for a Department of Transport representative.
The Star