GEORGE NEWS - Two senior George Municipality Fire and Disaster Management officials have returned to their posts following a successful arbitration case concerning their nine-month suspension.
Chief Fire Officer and Head of Disaster Management Neels Barnard and Fire Station Commander Santa Sternsdorff resumed their duties on 5 October after being suspended towards the end of December 2025.
George Municipality has confirmed their return to work, but declined to comment on the circumstances surrounding their suspensions or the outcome of the proceedings.
George Herald understands that a commissioner of the South African Local Government Bargaining Council (SALGBC) ruled in favour of these two officials in a dispute involving unfair labour practices, with compensation and costs awarded against the municipality.
According to the arbitration ruling, both officials had to return to work on 5 October.
George Municipality's acting manager of communications, Ntobeko Mangqwengqwe, said in accordance with the municipality's policy, the municipality does not comment on individual employee disciplinary matters, adding that no further details regarding the investigation, appeal process or suspensions would be disclosed.
In January, George Herald reported on the suspensions, which followed a period during which both officials had played prominent roles in the municipality's emergency response operations, including the May 2024 Victoria Street building collapse.
Barnard has about two years remaining before retirement.
Fire Station Commander Santa Sternsdorff. Photo: Michelle Pienaar
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