Panel to evaluate BCM manager

THE Buffalo City Metro council has approved two new panels that will evaluate the performance of city manager Andile Sihlahla and managers directly accountable to him.

The panel to evaluate Sihlahla is led by BCM mayor Xola Pakati and was approved by the council last month in preparation for Sihlahla’s first performance evaluation after he was appointed with effect from June 1.

Presenting the panel to council for approval Pakati said it was necessary that performance against indicators and targets set out in performance plans be assessed quarterly.

While Pakati will chair the panel to evaluate Sihlahla’s performance, he will not be part of the panel to evaluate the managers directly accountable to Sihlahla – the city manager will chair that panel.

Chairwoman of BCM’s audit committee Ronel Shaw, portfolio head for corporate services councillor Sindile Toni, Amathole district municipal manager Thandekile Mnyimba and ward 47 committee member Nkosinathi Sifengu will serve in both panels working closely with Pakati and Sihlahla.

Following his appointment, Sihlahla told the media the first thing he would do as metro boss was to clearly define the different roles and responsibilities of politicians and the administration.

BCM spokesman Samkelo Ngwenya said: “The city manager finished his first 100 days in office and he is now ready to announce what he has done and what his vision going forward is. However the press briefing will take place following next week’s council meeting.” —