City manager’s resignation a ‘great loss’
THE resignation of city manager Achmat Ebrahim has been described as a “great loss” to the city and its residents.
Mayor Patricia de Lille announced yesterday that Ebrahim had tendered his resignation with effect from January 12.
“In his resignation letter, Mr Ebrahim made it clear that he is able to quite easily defend the allegations made against him in the Bowman Gilfillan Inc report,” said De Lille.
In November, the council unanimously resolved that the city council’s audit and performance committee be instructed to appoint an independent investigator to look into allegations against Ebrahim, transport and urban development authority commissioner Melissa Whitehead and Craig Kesson, executive director in De Lille’s office.
Kesson had charged that Ebrahim failed to ensure the proper implementation of the City’s contract with AEM and ICT Works, contracted to implement station management and related systems for the MyCiTi bus rapid transit system.
This failure was tantamount to “misconduct” by Ebrahim, he had said.
De Lille said yesterday that Ebrahim had further stated in his letter that, in terms of the ongoing investigations, he would furnish her office with copies of all the evidence files as they pertain to his involvement in these allegations, which have already been handed to Bowman Gilfillan and which “clearly show that the allegations against him are baseless”.
“After almost 40 years of dedicated and loyal service, with an unblemished record, he stated in his letter that his obvious primary consideration at this stage of his life was that of his personal and his family’s well-being,” added De Lille.
Ebrahim’s resignation has been met with mixed reaction by opposition parties in the city council.
DA provincial leader Bonginkosi Madikizela said his party welcomed Ebrahim’s resignation.
“It is the right thing to do in the context of the various investigations related to his, the mayor’s and other senior officials’ conduct.
“We note too, that Mr Achmat remains committed to providing evidence to these investigations and trust that he will fulfil this commitment without fear or favour in the interest of the people of Cape Town.”
The ANC said: “Mr Achmat must know that he is not free from the allegations that had been levelled against him. We advise him not to think of any fancy holidays outside the country.”
African Christian Democratic Party councillor Grant Haskin said: “It is with a heavy heart that we hear of the resignation of the Cape Town city manager, Achmat Ebrahim. His resignation is a great loss to the City.
“Mr Ebrahim is a highly competent city manager and has built up an in-depth understanding of the complex policy and legislative context within which he managed the City over the 26 years he served at executive management level, and the 36 years of his service to the City and its people.”
‘Achmat remains committed to providing evidence to these investigations’