FORMER Highlanders welfare manager Vezigama Dlodlo has, through his lawyers, written to the club, seeking audience with his former employers over US$44 000 medical expenses incurred following injury while on duty, among other issues.
Through Bulawayo lawyer Thulani Ndlovu of Ndlovu Legal Practice, Dlodlo acknowledges receipt of correspondence from Highlanders acknowledging that he was injured while performing his official club duties.
The former manager was replaced by Netsai Moyo, as he continued in ill-health.
Vezigama was involved in a traffic accident in May 2023 on his way to Matopos for the club’s camp ahead of the Bulawayo giants’ league tie against Dynamos at Barbourfields Stadium.
He has remained in bad health since then and undergone four major surgeries, which he has paid for from his own pocket and is due for another US$9 000 procedure.
Among other things, Dlodlo claims the club owes him US$1 400 winning bonuses for four matches and US$5 280 in laundry services.
On Tuesday, Ndlovu gave Highlanders a seven-day ultimatum to respond to Dlodlo.
“In light of the foregoing, our client respectfully requests a meeting with the chief executive officer (Denzil Mnkandla) or management, at which he may personally present medical invoices, receipts, and supporting documentation, some of which has already been submitted to the club.
- Big send-off for Cont Mhlanga
- Inside sport: The right way to do it
- Highlanders’ away woes continue
- Inside sport: Let’s fight Zim football’s hooliganism menace
Keep Reading
“Our client further requests that the club engages with him in good faith to agree on an acceptable and practical payment plan, particularly in view of the ongoing and future medical procedures.
“Given the prolonged delay and the urgency of the medical situation, we kindly request your response within seven days of the date hereof.”
The letter to Bosso reads: “Our client notes and appreciates your acknowledgement that he sustained injuries while on duty at Highlanders Football Club, as well as your confirmation that the club is committed to meeting its obligations arising from the said injury.”
Ndlovu detailed Dlodlo’s scenario.
“On May 24, 2023, our client sustained serious injuries in the course and scope of his employment with the club.
“From 2023 to date, a period approaching three years has elapsed. During this period, our client has undergone four surgical procedures together with extensive medical treatment.
“To date, medical expenses already incurred amount to approximately US$44 000, all of which were paid by our client from his personal resources following repeated assurances that the club would meet these costs,” the lawyer said.
He added: “Our client now requires a fifth surgical operation, which has been formally quoted at US$9 000, exclusive of post-operative rehabilitation and physiotherapy. His medical condition remains serious, and he is currently physically incapable of working.”
The legal practitioner said despite making National Social Security Authority (NSSA) deductions, Highlanders failed to remit the same to the pension body, robbing Dlodlo of compensation.
“The prejudice suffered by our client has been significantly exacerbated by the fact that NSSA declined to compensate him for a work-related injury, notwithstanding that NSSA contributions were deducted from his salary by the club.
“The failure by the club to remit those contributions deprived our client of statutory compensation that would have materially alleviated his financial hardship and medical burden.”
Ndlovu said it is not an excuse for Highlanders to claim they have no financial reserves and depend on sponsorships as “... employment is not dependent on the availability of sponsorship or donor funding. Medical treatment cannot reasonably be deferred indefinitely pending fundraising.”
Dlodlo is also claiming: “Fuel costs incurred in the course of club duties, calculated at 80 litres per month for nine months, the precise monetary value to be confirmed upon reconciliation; and airtime expenses incurred for club business, amounting to US$40 per month for 21 months, totalling US$840.”
Dlodlo also claims that as a result of the accident in May, he lost his vehicle and has gone through traumatic pain which has affected his livelihood.
“As a direct consequence of the injuries sustained while on duty, and the prolonged failure to resolve his medical and statutory entitlements, our client has further suffered: Loss of use and eventual loss of his motor vehicle, as a result of the accident. Ongoing physical pain, suffering, and loss of earning capacity, which continue to impact his livelihood and dignity,” the lawyer asserted.
While Bosso received this correspondence, it is reported that the club has also acknowledged receipt of lawsuits against their treasurer Nkani Khoza who is being sued by fellow executive members Kindman Ndlovu and Morgen Dube for yet to be established details.
Ndlovu, the former acting chief executive officer of the club, confirmed suing Nkani, but said his lawyers advised against engaging the media on the case.
“We wrote to the club through its executive committee chairman Kenneth Mhlophe and Nkani Khoza in his personal capacity as the executive member responsible for finance at Highlanders FC. My lawyers have advised against responding to media interviews on this issue,” Ndlovu said.
Former coach Pieter de Jongh made medical claims against Bosso, which the club rubbished at its annual general meeting a few weeks ago, while former assistant coach Agent Sawu has also made financial claims saying his contract at the club was arbitrarily terminated before expiring in December this year.
