Municipal manager post to be re-advertised

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employment for a period not exceeding three months.

The act also makes a provision for a municipal council to request the MEC for local government to second a person to act in the position of acting municipal manager, who will be paid by the department and not by Makana.

Responding to a question about this Mbanjwa said: “The act namely section 54A (6) (a) states that the municipality may request a secondment and the Council is fully aware of this. The section is not peremptory.”

Mbanjwa said the position of a full time municipal manager was advertised and the closing date for applications closed on Thursday last week.

Responding to a question about whether it is legal for a person to act in the position of municipal manager for more than six months, Nhanha said the act was very clear, a person can be appointed to an acting capacity for a period not exceeding three months.

“In the event an extension is required, permission should be sought from the MEC for Local Government. There is nothing illegal in a person acting for six months or more. The precedent has been set here in Makana and elsewhere in the province,” he said.

On the matter of Cogta seconding a person from provincial government to act in the position, Nhanha said in the past Themba Mnguni was seconded by the provincial government.

“His pathetic performance did not inspire a shred of confidence. He left this municipality in a much more worse position than he found it. We have capable directors who have been around and they know the difficulties that we face and have been part of providing solutions without the provincial government.”

Nhanha went on to say that getting provincial government to pay the salary of a seconded person would not do Makana any good.

“To celebrate that the salary will be paid by the provincial government is actually disingenuous. Provincial government will have to spend mon- ey on an acting MM in Makana instead of spending where it's needed most. Mnguni did not only get a salary but stayed in a guest house paid for by the taxpayer,” he said.

Provincial Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs spokesperson Mamnkeli Ngam referred questions to the municipality.

“I propose that you direct these questions to (Yoliswa Ramokolo) who is the Communicator for Makana Municipality. I am sure she will assist you.”

National Cogta spokesperson Legadima Leso was unavailable to answer questions at the time of going to press.

The EFF’s Mzwandile Qotoyi was also not available to comment at the time of going to press.

Meanwhile the position of municipal manager will be readvertised due to compliance issues.

• The office of the Speaker Yandiswa Vara has released the dates and venues of the election of ward committees in all the wards in Makana.