Build One South Africa (BOSA) leader Mmusi Maimane is involved in a dispute with his former Chief of Staff, Tania Coenraad, over allegations of unfair dismissal. The matter is currently before the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA). Coenraad's lawyers have proposed a mutual separation package worth R1.44 million to resolve the dispute. According to Coenraad, her relationship with Maimane preceded her formal employment with BOSA, and she was deeply disappointed with the events that unfolded.
Coenraad started working for BOSA on February 1, 2024, under a series of fixed-term arrangements before being appointed Chief of Staff from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2026. She was paid a gross monthly salary of R60,000. Her lawyers described the Chief of Staff position as a central and integral role within BOSA, involving executive coordination, strategic continuity, operational alignment, and implementation of ongoing organisational commitments. Coenraad attended a performance-review feedback discussion on June 5, 2026, involving BOSA representatives, including Maimane, Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster, and HR representative.
During the performance review discussion, Coenraad received positive feedback, but later that day, she was told that her contract would not be renewed. Her lawyers argued that BOSA's conduct created a reasonable expectation that she would remain employed beyond June 30. They pointed to her continued employment under successive fixed-term arrangements, her appointment to the more senior Chief of Staff position, and the ongoing nature of the functions she performed. Coenraad's lawyers also referred to her involvement in BOSA's preparations for the 2026 Local Government Elections.
According to Coenraad's lawyers, she was included in strategy discussions on May 22, 2026, where she was treated as part of the campaign team and expected to participate in ongoing campaign-related work, including fundraising and strategic initiatives. Her lawyers argued that those commitments extended beyond the expiry of her contract and reinforced her expectation of continued employment. They also challenged any reliance by BOSA on contractual wording stating that the fixed-term appointment created no expectation of renewal.
A whistleblower who wanted to remain anonymous described Maimane as a "terrible person to work for." The source claimed that Maimane dropped Coenraad when her husband was dying of cancer, allegedly to save money for Nobuntu's mayoral campaign. The party reportedly sent several employees packing while pushing through a Pay Bill in Parliament aimed at ending salary discrimination and promoting pay transparency.
Coenraad's lawyers proposed a mutual separation agreement that would see her employment terminate by mutual agreement on June 19, 2026, or another date agreed by the parties. In return, BOSA would pay her a separation amount equivalent to 24 months' remuneration — R1.44 million, based on her R60,000 monthly salary. The proposed amount would include ordinary amounts due to Coenraad up to the agreed termination date, including salary, accrued leave pay, reimbursable expenses, and other statutory or contractual entitlements.
BOSA, through lawyers acting for Maimane, rejected the allegations and proposed settlement. The organisation's lawyers maintained that the contractual position was clear, as the fixed-term contract expressly provided that it would terminate on June 30, 2026. BOSA's lawyers denied that any representation, undertaking, practice, or conduct created a reasonable expectation of renewal or continued employment. The dispute is set to continue at the CCMA.
Key points
- Mmusi Maimane faces dispute with former chief of staff Tania Coenraad over unfair dismissal and R1.44m exit package.
- Coenraad's lawyers argue that BOSA's conduct created a reasonable expectation of continued employment beyond June 30.
- BOSA rejects allegations of unfair dismissal and proposed a settlement.
