Hatang axed as Nelson Mandela Foundation CEO

Just two and a half weeks away from Nelson Mandela Day on 18 July, his foundation fired its CEO Sello Hatang for what it calls ‘unbecoming behaviour’. Hatang served as the Foundation’s CEO for 10 years, previously serving as its communications manager from 2009 to 2013.

HATANG’S CONDUCT ‘CAUSED MUCH DISTRESS’

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The foundations board, conduction investigation into Hatang following complaints from employees over the CEO’s personal conduct in the workplace.

Board Chairman Njabulo Ndebele, made the announcement on Wednesday and has refused to delve into too much detail about the offense however says the CEO’s conduct ‘has caused much distress to the Foundation, its employees and its broader community of stakeholders’.

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“After considering the outcomes of the independent investigation, and ensuring that the process had been conducted fairly and without prejudice, the Board concluded that Mr Hatang’s conduct had been unbecoming and was unacceptable for someone in his position and that he should be summarily dismissed”, says Ndebele.

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Ndebele says the complaints were received after Hatang announced his resignation on 2 May 2023. While serving his notice, the Board decided to place him on special leave while the independent investigation was conducted.

“The focus now is on ensuring continuity in the Foundation’s activities, particularly in the approach to Madiba’s birthday commemorations on the 18th of July, and on fulfilling the Foundation’s mandate of promoting Madiba’s vision of freedom and equality for all”, Ndebele adds.

The Foundation says they will soon be looking into finding Hatang’s replacement, but will for the time being be working on boosting staff morale.