Johannesburg-based waste management company Pikitup has axed MD Amanda Nair with immediate effect, owing to a breakdown in the relationship of trust.

Nair was placed on special leave in July, pending an internal hearing, following allegations of corrupt activity.

These allegations led to widespread strikes and, in November last year and April this year‚ Pikitup experienced 36 days of illegal strikes facilitated by the South African Municipal Workers Union, who demanded that Nair be suspended.

Following these allegations, an independent forensic investigation was completed by Qhubeka Forensic Services on June 27, whereby eight charges related to the recruitment and remuneration of employees, and three charges related to procurement, were served.

“In addition to the facts and evidence related to procurement and disclosure, [as well as] the forensic investigation and the misconduct enquiry, correspondence with Nair has become increasingly vexatious, politicised and hostile,” Pikitup said in a statement on Friday.

The waste management company added that Nair “would have considerable difficulty creating a relationship of trust with organised labour, as well as providing the leadership necessary to create harmonious workplace relations – a reasonable expectation of an MD in any company”.

Meanwhile, the board also issued a letter of demand to Nair to recover acting allowances and remuneration in excess of upper limits paid to employees without due authorisation. “We have also reserved the right to recover any further amounts which may be uncovered, including any amounts that may arise from the recommendations by the Public Protector,” Pikitup stated.

The report is currently being scrutinised by the Public Protector.