Limpho Sello
THE Lesotho College of Education Staff Union (LECESU) has expressed concern at last month’s indefinite suspension of two of its leaders.
Mpholo Leoisa and Mzimkulu Faku, who are LECESU’s secretary general and president respectively, were suspended on 26 September 2014 for alleged misconduct.
“The suspensions bear no charges whatsoever and that, in our view, flies in the face of natural justice on the rights of individuals,” Mr Leoisa told a press conference held at the Lesotho Teachers Trade Union (LTTU) offices last Wednesday.
LECESU Deputy President, Puleng Ramoshebi, added that what worried union members was this was the first time such a suspension had taken place at the college.
“We are not against the management taking whatever action they deem necessary, but we would want to know why the two were suspended because in the letters (written by LCE Rector, Dr John Oliphant) it was stated that they were being suspended as individuals and also members of LECESU,” Ms Ramoshebi said.
“Because they are part of us, we would want to know what their mistakes were and what they are charged with. The other worrying factor is that their positions have already been filled, yet they are said to be on suspension, and on full pay.
“We found two new people in their positions when the college opened after the Independence Holiday on Monday (last week). This means two people are getting paid for one position, and the big question is: Where does this leave the college that professes to be short of cash for its day-to-day operations?
“The timing of the suspension is also bound to disadvantage students taught by the two lecturers. What is the rush all about? Could they not wait until end of the year, so that the students are not affected?”
Ms Ramoshebi further noted there were only three weeks left before the students, at the teachers’ training institution, write their final examinations and “lecturers who are supposed to be assisting them with their revision are on suspension for reasons they don’t even know”.
She added: “Our view is that what management has done is tantamount to union-bashing and malicious in nature because repeated calls have been made by the union membership to management to level charges against the suspended two, so they can know what action to take in response. We reiterate the same now.”
Contacted for comment, LCE Registrar, ‘Mapaolosi Lepota, said: “The only person who can respond to this is Dr Oliphant. Unfortunately, he is not around to take your call.”
However, according to Dr Oliphant’s identical letters written on 9 September to the two officials, the suspensions were due to “unruly behaviour”.
Dr Oliphant’s letter reads: “The unruly behaviour that has been shown by yourself, as a person, as well as secretary general of LECESU, has in fact, left me with no option but to enquire why the College Management may not suspend you.
“This is in line with provisions of the Lesotho College of Education Code of Conduct Part 3 Section 7. I am writing this letter asking you in earnest to respond to me within three working days from when you receive this letter showing cause why I may not suspend you.”
After the two officials had requested clarity on what the Rector meant by “unruly”, Dr Oliphant responded with the suspension letters, which read: “In consideration of your response, I am writing to advise you that you are hereby suspended on full pay with effect from today, 26 September 2014, 4:30pm. The suspension is made in order for the College to conduct an investigation into an allegation of misconduct against you as a person and as a member of the LECESU.
“You shall not attend your place of work other than for the purpose of attending a disciplinary hearing or any other reason Management may call you for. You shall not contact any other employees, suppliers or customers of the college, except your representative in any disciplinary proceedings, without the college Management’s consent.”