Online Reporter
Lovemore [email protected]
SUSPENDED Highlanders Football Club chief executive officer Denzil Mnkandla on Wednesday appeared before a disciplinary tribunal to answer four charges arising from the club’s Botswana tour, including allegations that the club was overcharged for accommodation and camping expenses.
The disciplinary hearing, chaired by prominent Bulawayo lawyer Vusi Vuma, was adjourned to July 29 after Mnkandla’s legal representative, Tinashe Tashaya, applied for a postponement through a colleague, citing his engagement at the High Court.
Vuma is assisted by Solomon Mguni on the prosecution team, while Highlanders are represented by Ndaba Mazibuko. Mnkandla is represented by Tashaya.
Mnkandla is facing four charges under the National Employment Code of Conduct.
Count One – Gross incompetence or inefficiency
The club alleges that Mnkandla contravened Section 4(f) of the National Code of Conduct (SI 15 of 2006) by entering into an agreement with a third party for accommodation and camping expenses for Highlanders’ Botswana trip between February 24 and March 3, 2026, without carrying out adequate due diligence on the costs.
It is alleged that he authorised payment of US$42 200 to the third party, despite the accommodation provider, Travel Lodge, charging a total of P170 622 for the services.
Count Two – Conduct inconsistent with the terms of employment
Mnkandla is accused of breaching Section 4(f) of the National Code of Conduct by entering into a contract with a third party on behalf of Highlanders for the Botswana camp without first obtaining the approval of the club’s executive committee, allegedly in contravention of Clause 26(h) of his contract of employment.
Count Three – Wilful disobedience
The third charge alleges that Mnkandla failed to comply with an instruction from the club to produce receipts, invoices and the agreement with Gilport Enterprises (Pvt) Ltd in support of payments made during the Botswana trip.
Count Four – Absence from work without leave
The final charge alleges that Mnkandla contravened Section 4(f) of the National Code of Conduct by absenting himself from work without lawful authority or reasonable excuse for a period exceeding five days from June 29, 2026.
