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Parliament yesterday notified Ms Zelda Holtzman of her dismissal, with immediate effect, from the employ of Parliament.

Parliament’s decision of dismissal follows the report named: “Recommendation on Sanction” from the independent chairperson of the disciplinary inquiry into charges against Ms Holtzman, as head of the Parliamentary Protection Services.

This report from the inquiry’s independent chairperson, Professor Takalani Madima, followed the conclusion of proceedings on aggravation and mitigation of sanctions for charges on which Ms Holtzman was found guilty.

Professor Madima, in his written report, announced recommended sanctions of dismissal for three of these charges and a final written warning for one of them.

The recommended sanctions of dismissal related to Ms Holtzman’s refusal to provide written responses and a report to her manager, in terms of a lawful instruction for her to do so. This amounted not only to gross insubordination but also a breakdown in the pivotal workplace relationship of trust between an employee and employer.

Dismissal was also recommended for failing to produce a business plan in support of Parliament’s strategic plan (a statutory requirement) and to submit an annual budget. A final written warning was recommended for failing to take steps to address divisions in the Parliamentary Protection Services, including between herself and her deputy.
 

Issued by Parliament of South Africa