Anti-union executive quits IDC

Johannesburg - Lese Matlhape, the human capital executive at the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), who was the centre of a scandal last year that he allegedly stopped employees joining a union, has quit the corporation.

The IDC confirmed on Friday Matlhape's contract would not be renewed, effective from end-February. "Lese Matlhape's contractual term has come to an end after 12 years at the IDC," marketing and corporate affairs executive, Neo Sowazi, told Fin24.com.

Matlhape was subject to an internal investigation following claims he tried to block IDC employees from joining a trade union. "I was cleared of the charges," said Matlhape.

He had agreed "as far back as two years ago" with the IDC's CEO, Geoff Qhena, that he would groom his successor and leave, he said.

Said Sowazi: "The allegations against him (Matlhape) have been resolved and the matter concluded". She did not want to discuss the issue "in the media".

Employees whom Fin24.com interviewed, however, said Matlhape's departure was a direct result of his role in the scandal, which also attracted parliament's attention.

Matlhape allegedly threatened employees wanting to unionise with dismissal if they went ahead with their plans.

During the second half of 2009 employees who were seen to be leading the formation of a trade union were charged with various dismissible offences. They subsequently said these offences were "manufactured to deal" with them.

They also alleged that the IDC had a "hit list" of ten people that had to be dismissed by the end of December.

Fin24.com is in possession of a letter of complaint to Qhena complaining about Matlhape's conduct.

Mathlape was adamant, however.

"I have done a good job of transformation not only at the IDC, but in some lilly white organisations," said Matlhape. "I have done so much good for the organisation and proud of my performance."

- Fin24.com