LPC Investigates Misconduct Complaint Against Minister Ronald Lamola Over R71,000 Legal Fees

• 127 former Medupi Power Station workers filed a complaint against Ronald Lamola over legal work dating back to 2015
• The workers claim Lamola's legal team accepted R71,000 in fees but failed to appear in court, causing their case to be dismissed
• The LPC is reviewing submissions from both sides to decide whether to proceed with a formal disciplinary hearing

SOUTH AFRICA — The Legal Practice Council (LPC) is examining a professional misconduct complaint against International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola, relating to legal services he allegedly provided before entering Cabinet.

According to eNCA, the complaint was brought on behalf of 127 former Medupi Power Station workers, represented by Samy Hlongwane. The group claims that between 2015 and 2016, Lamola and his former law firm received R71,000 in legal fees to pursue their unfair dismissal cases at the Labour Court.

Workers claim legal team failed to appear in court

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At the heart of the complaint is an allegation that Lamola's legal representatives did not appear for scheduled court proceedings, resulting in the case being struck off the roll. The former workers are now demanding a full refund of the fees they paid for representation that, according to them, yielded no legal outcome.

The LPC has confirmed it is treating the matter carefully. Council official Mpho Malatjie indicated that the body exercises caution when complaints are lodged against sitting government ministers or members of the judiciary, as these cases require a considered approach before formal disciplinary steps are taken.

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Minister Lamola, who recently threatened Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma with legal action, did not personally address the regulatory body or issue a public statement in response to the complaint. Instead, he sent legal representatives to engage with the LPC on his behalf. The council is currently assessing submissions from both the complainants and Lamola's legal team.

Once that review is complete, the LPC will decide whether there are sufficient grounds to institute a formal disciplinary hearing against the minister. The outcome of that determination could have significant consequences for Lamola's standing as a legal practitioner, independent of his current role in government.

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In a related article, Briefly News reported on Lamola's response to the ICC petition filed by two Ghanaian nationals regarding attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa. Lamola emphasized that South Africa's existing legal framework is equipped to address such issues, arguing that the case lacks jurisdiction.

Source: Briefly News