National Youth Council board members refused to pay a legal bill worth 345,000 dollars. They blame interim chairperson Beverly Silas-!Garas for hiring lawyers without board approval. The attorneys conducted an investigation about council director Calista Schwartz-Gowases. Board members called the move wasteful and against proper rules. They sent a complaint letter to Education Minister Sanet Steenkamp on June 5.
Board vice chairperson Hendrik Theofilus wrote that Silas-!Garas acted alone when she hired Metcalfe Beukes Attorneys. The investigation looked at matters that courts and government officials had already handled. Board members decided to put director Schwartz-Gowases on forced leave during disciplinary proceedings. Sources say she refuses to leave her office. The board wants permission to hold a special meeting about creating a disciplinary committee.
Silas-!Garas denied the accusations against her and called them personal attacks. She said claims about serving without proper authority are false attempts to damage her reputation. The interim chairperson asked the minister for urgent help with the director situation. She worried about confidential documents being leaked to news organizations. Minister Steenkamp promised to read the letter and respond to board concerns.
Board vice chairperson Hendrik Theofilus wrote that Silas-!Garas acted alone when she hired Metcalfe Beukes Attorneys. The investigation looked at matters that courts and government officials had already handled. Board members decided to put director Schwartz-Gowases on forced leave during disciplinary proceedings. Sources say she refuses to leave her office. The board wants permission to hold a special meeting about creating a disciplinary committee.
Silas-!Garas denied the accusations against her and called them personal attacks. She said claims about serving without proper authority are false attempts to damage her reputation. The interim chairperson asked the minister for urgent help with the director situation. She worried about confidential documents being leaked to news organizations. Minister Steenkamp promised to read the letter and respond to board concerns.
