Administrator to stay on at Enoch Mgijima municipality

The Eastern Cape executive committee has extended Enoch Mgijima municipality’s administrator Vuyo Mlokoti’s intervention in the municipality for another six months – ending on September 14.

Presenting a report at a special council on Thursday, cooperative governance and traditional affairs (Cogta) MEC Fikile Xasa said: “The resolution [to extend his secondment] was based on the assessment of the monthly reports presented by the administrator from my office. “

We observed and appreciated the progress made and the strides made in this municipality, however, there is still a lot to be done.”

He said it would have been irresponsible for the department to end the intervention without any level of achievement on the suspension of the municipal manager Chris Magwangqana.

“It would be incorrect to end the intervention without an accounting officer and the administrator needs to conclude that process.

“Also he needs to fill the three managers’ posts as they have a financial implication and also implement the financial recovery plan,” he said.

Xasa said Mlokoti also needed to deal with the issue of contract workers and interns.

Xasa came under attack from councillors who strongly opposed extending the stay of the administrator.

UDM councillor Mthuthuzeli Hokolo said by extending Mlokoti’s stay at the Komani-based municipality, Xasa was killing the municipality.

“We can’t trust you as there are lot of things you have said and did not honour them MEC,” DA councillor Malibongwe Xhelisilo said.

“We were expecting a report from the executive on evaluating the duties done by the administrator, not a report by the administrator. Mlokoti was a player and referee and you were just a ceremonial MEC.”