Nelson Mandela Foundation clears its CEO and COO of impropriety

The Nelson Mandela Foundation says it has concluded an investigation into complaints that were made by anonymous staff members against the CEO, Sello Hatang, and the COO, Limpho Monyamane.

"We are pleased to report that the investigation, conducted by a respected law firm (Bowman Gilfillan Inc) has found that there was no objective evidence to support the complaints," said the organisation's chairperson, Professor Njabulo Ndebele in a statement. 

"The complaints related to alleged flouting of procurement policies and processes, improper use of the organisation’s resources, bullying and intimidation, and abuse of donor relations," he added. 

According to Ndebele, both Hatang and Monyamane, who took special leave while the investigation was underway, will therefore return to work this week "within the next few days" and resume their activities.

He added: "Arising from the investigation, however, it is clear that a number of financial and human resource policies and procedures need to be revised, strengthened, and restated to ensure consistency and compliance."

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"The Board would like to give you its assurance that is totally committed to ensuring this happens."

The investigation was initiated after an email was sent to the Ndebele by an anonymous staff member on 14 December 2020.

One of the law firms on the Foundation’s legal panel, Bowman Gilfillan Inc, was appointed to handle the investigation and conducted interviews with 21 staff members during January and February 2021. 

They found that while there was no merit to the charge of bullying and harassment being "the order of the day,"  there is tension and hostility "among a limited number of staff members."

They found that while Hatang did use foul language in the office, it was not "directed at an individual, has never been used in an offensive manner, nor has it led to trauma and anxiety."

They found no evidence of favoritism, or of procurement procedures being flouted or donor funds being used for personal gain. 

"Some of the issues raised in the complaint relate to inter-personal dynamics and human resource management, and the Board is confident that these can be addressed internally," said Ndebele .