Council may suspend manager

Emalahleni municipal manager Sithembele Vatala has been given seven days to explain why he should not be placed on precautionary suspension for allegedly interfering with an ongoing investigation into corruption.

Vatala has been accused of not co-operating with provincial officials investigating the Cacadu-based local authority’s finances.

Emalahleni acting mayor Nolitha Lali confirmed that on Friday the council resolved to give Vatala a warning that it would put him under precautionary suspension.

“We are still waiting for his response, as he has been given seven days to give reasons,” Lali said.

However, Vatala said on Monday he was in the dark about the council’s decision.

“I have not received the letter and I don’t have any information on the matter,” Vatala said, then dropped the phone.

EFF councillor Zenzile Mahola said the latest development was triggered by a letter from co-operative governance MEC Fikile Xasa informing the council of his intention to suspend Vatala.

“There are allegations that Vatala is not co-operating with investigators and he is stopping staff from co-operating with the investigation.

“The council took a decision to serve Vatala with [a notice of its] intention to suspend him.”

Mahola said Vatala had been given seven days to provide valid reasons why he should not be suspended.

“Looking at what is happening at the municipality, we believe both the mayoral committee and the finance committee have failed to report wrongdoing.” –