Official to return to work after counselling, following call for hacking and killing of whites (4 May)

Department announces verdict on Velaphi Khumalo

4 May 2016

Subsequent to his Facebook remarks which were construed as being racially offensive, Khumalo was duly suspended from the employ of the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation and charged for serious misconduct for having “conducted himself in an improper, disgraceful and unacceptable manner”.

An internal disciplinary hearing process ensued at which Mr. Khumalo pleaded guilty and committed to avail himself for corrective measures which include counselling. The Disciplinary Panel deemed it fit to issue him with a Final Written Warning.

Upon accepting the sanction Mr. Khumalo’s suspension will duly be lifted and he will be able to carry out his duties as a Sports Promoter, allowing the department to carry out its mission of getting Gauteng active.

Following the incident the department has since taken measures to orientate and workshop all employees on its communication policies including the use of social media.

As the province and as the department we are committed to promoting social cohesion and unity of all the people of Gauteng and the rest of South Africa. We believe this was a lesson to learn especially in how we react to issues happening around us, in order to avoid exacerbating the situation.

Statement issued by Nomazwe Ntlokwana, Gauteng Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, 4 May 2016