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- The contract of the Mossel Bay Municipality's municipal manager has been terminated following allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct.
- Mayor Harry Levendal said the agreement was reached following "extensive negotiations".
- Thys Giliomee was placed on special leave in April.
The Mossel Bay Municipality has terminated the contract of its municipal manager following allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct.
Thys Giliomee was placed on special leave in April for serious misconduct following an investigation showing he had a prima facie case of sexual harassment to answer to.
Mayor Harry Levendal tabled the investigation report last month during a special council meeting, which was accepted by the full council.
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The council also decided to institute disciplinary proceedings against Giliomee due to the allegations.
Levendal said the agreement to terminate Giliomee's contract was reached following "extensive negotiations".
"The settlement was the logical and best solution under the circumstances. Advocate Giliomee leaves a stable administration with exceptionally high standards of municipal service delivery.
"Mossel Bay Municipality will maintain these high standards and commitment to service delivery excellence to its residents," he added.
It is alleged that Giliomee sexually harassed a junior employee.
He was placed on special leave following the allegations.
Giliomee was given seven days to explain why he should not be suspended amid an investigation into the alleged sexual misconduct.
READ ALSO | Mossel Bay's municipal manager suspended for alleged sexual misconduct
When approached for comment, he said he did not want to comment on the matter.
"I have nothing further to say," he told News24.
The head of the ANC's Mossel Bay constituency office, Cameron Dugmore, welcomed the decision.
"It's important that the municipality clarifies what the terms are, what payout Giliomee will receive. It's an obvious lesson that any form of harassment should not be tolerated," he said.
Levendal added they wished Giliomee well in his future endeavours.
