Resolution Achieved in Ambassador Smuts Ngonyama’s Wife Nokwazi Ngonyama Bashes Domestic Worker And Fail To Settle Her Salary After She Shortly Resigned
In a protracted and concerning legal saga, the dispute between South Africa’s Ambassador to Japan, Smuts Ngonyama, and his former domestic worker, Tandiswa Tokwe, has finally found closure. The conflict initially emerged when Tokwe, who had been working in Ngonyama’s official diplomatic residence, decided to resign her post following an alleged assault by Ngonyama’s wife, Nokwazi Ngonyama, in July.
Nokwazi Ngonyama Beat the Domestic Assistant With A Broomstick
Tandiswa Tokwe’s journey began as a domestic worker in Ngonyama’s official residence in Japan, where she dedicated herself to her role since May 2019. However, events took a troubling turn when, in July, an incident involving the alleged use of a broomstick in an assault by Nokwazi Ngonyama occurred. The distressing situation was brought to the attention of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco), prompting Ngonyama and his wife to offer their apologies to Tokwe. Initially, she chose to continue working despite the traumatic experience. Still, as her fear of further incidents grew, she felt compelled to make the difficult decision to resign, ultimately leaving Japan and returning to her home in East London.
This sudden change in employment status left Tokwe facing significant challenges as an unemployed single mother, struggling to make ends meet while waiting for the payment of the outstanding balance due to her for the remainder of her employment contract. The agreed-upon settlement stipulated that Ngonyama would pay Tokwe an amount totalling R195,231.00, encompassing her remaining five months’ worth of salary, covering the duration of her contract until December. Despite the provision of an initial payment of R60,000.00 on 27 September to cover her salary for the preceding three months, a dispute over the subsequent payment cast a shadow over the resolution process.
The impasse escalated, prompting Tokwe’s attorney, Pumelele Hole, to take action. Hole addressed a letter to Ngonyama’s legal representatives, setting forth a clear demand: full settlement by the deadline of 3 November. Failure to meet this deadline would result in the commencement of legal proceedings to safeguard Tokwe’s interests. After weeks of tension, the long-awaited payment was finally made, marking the culmination of the protracted dispute.
The saga surrounding this settlement was not without its complexities and delays, attributed in part to the intricacies of international banking transactions. Such transactions typically require five to seven business days to reflect accurately. Furthermore, Ngonyama, South Africa’s Ambassador to Japan, cited his extensive responsibilities and travel obligations as contributing factors to the timing of the payment. He noted that he is one of the most active ambassadors, given the vast area he covers and the demanding nature of his work.
Ngonyama also expressed his belief that this prolonged dispute was perhaps an attempt to tarnish his public image as an ambassador, rather than a genuine concern for Tokwe’s welfare. While the settlement process may have been marked by challenges and delays, the commitment to fulfilling the agreement and resolving the matter was resolute.
For Tokwe, the conclusion of this chapter brings a sense of relief and closure, as she finally receives the remaining balance of her salary. However, she expressed her gratitude tinged with disappointment, highlighting the perceived lack of dignified treatment and seriousness in addressing her matter. Nevertheless, she is relieved that this contentious chapter has come to an end.
In addition to the financial settlement, it is noteworthy that a criminal assault case was registered against Nokwazi Ngonyama with the South African Police Service, an action taken in pursuit of justice. Furthermore, Tokwe had contemplated taking further measures, such as lodging a claim against Ngonyama with the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation, and Arbitration (CCMA), and filing a civil claim against him and his wife in the high court if the settlement was not fulfilled.
This complex and protracted legal matter has come to a close, offering a ray of hope and a sense of closure for Tandiswa Tokwe, who endured adversity on her path to justice and the fulfilment of her employment contract.
