Former HRC director sues Attorney General over alleged unpaid benefits, wrongful dismissal

Sindiso Ngatsha Sichone, a former director at the Human Rights Commission (HRC), has taken the Attorney General to the High Court over unpaid terminal benefits.

Her three-year contract, effective March 1, 2022, is governed by the commission’s conditions of service and disciplinary procedures.

Sichone was suspended on November 10, 2023, following a statutory meeting, and charged with absenteeism, poor timekeeping, and allegations of theft and fraud.

Sichone denied the charges in an exculpatory statement on November 22, 2023, and attended a disciplinary hearing on December 12, 2023.

She argued that the commission failed to inform her of the hearing’s outcome or provide a report, violating Clause 8(bb) of the code.

On April 11, 2023, she received a termination letter citing gross misconduct without having been heard.

Sichone claimed the disciplinary process was irregular and violated several clauses of the commission’s code.

She is demanding payment of her accrued benefits, including gratuity, salary, and leave days and also seeking damages for wrongful dismissal and legal costs.

Sichone contends her termination violated the Employment Code Act, causing her loss and damage.

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