More than 100 Exxaro Resources employees have signed an online petition calling for the board to reinstate suspended CEO Nombasa Tsengwa, who is waging a legal battle to fight her suspension.
The board suspended Tsengwa, president of the Minerals Council South Africa, with immediate effect last month, pending the outcome of an independent investigation into allegations related to workplace conduct and governance.
At the time chair Geoffrey Qhena said the board viewed the allegations and investigations seriously, but made no presumption on its conclusion. The board tasked law firm ENS to probe allegations, including Tsengwa's management style, with accusations of bullying and intimidation. She was also accused of failing to implement Exxaro’s strategy to diversify away from coal.
Riaan Koppeschaar, Exxaro’s director of finance, is the acting CEO.
Tsengwa has approached the courts to have her suspension lifted, with her lawyer Eddie Claassen this week confirming her legal battle without disclosing the thrust of her case.
Who said so? Get your right sources to confirm what you are saying, I don’t know what you are talking about.
— Mongezi Veti. Exxaro executive head of sustainability
Sources claimed this week the petition was spearheaded by Tsengwa's close ally and Exxaro’s executive head of sustainability, Mongezi Veti. But on Friday, Veti angrily denied this, saying the allegation was unfounded. “Who said so? Get your right sources to confirm what you are saying, I don’t know what you are talking about,” he said before abruptly ending the call.
Sonwabise Mzinyathi, acting chief investor relations and liaison officer, said Exxaro — which has more than 6,900 employees — “has received an online petition created by an anonymous user of an online petition platform, expressing support for the suspended CEO. The petition has 129 supporters; however, their identities and status cannot be verified.”
A source alleged Veti was meddling and making employees uncomfortable. “He told employees to complete the petition, in addition meddling and intimidating employees.”
The source claimed Veti had been calling on employees to inform him when called by people from ENS.
In December, Business Times reported how nine Exxaro executives were either suspended, dismissed or had resigned since Tsengwa took over the reins from Mxolisi Mgojo two years ago.
Mzinyathi said the board was fulfilling its fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of the company and would defend its position. “The board has taken independent legal advice on this matter and stands by its decision to suspend the CEO, to allow for an independent investigation to be properly conducted. This process has been handled transparently, fairly and legally; and Tsengwa has been engaged throughout this process.”
Mzinyathi said Exxaro aimed to conclude investigations as quickly as thoroughness allowed. “It’s not appropriate or fair to those involved to comment further at this time. The company’s actions will be informed by the outcome of these investigations; and these will be communicated in due course,” she said .
The nine employees who left include the head of coal operations, Kgabi Masia, who was dramatically suspended while on a work trip to Switzerland. Others are Vanisha Balgobind, former executive head of HR; Hemuna Bhola, who replaced Balgobind in an acting capacity; and Roland Tatnall, who was MD of Cennergi, Exxaro’s renewable energy business; Alex de Angelis, executive head of strategy; Bathabile Ponu, chief internal auditor; and Louis Retief, executive head of information management.
Company secretary Andiswa Ndoni is on suspension, while chief investor relations officer Ling-Ling Mothapo was placed on garden leave before eventually leaving the organisation.
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