Directorates: Who’s the boss?
It has been four months since three directors of George Municipality accepted an offer of early retirement with immediate effect on 31 May. The directors, Harold Basson
(Civil Engineering),
Eddie Rankwana
(Corporate Services) and Kevin Grünewald (Electrotechnical
Services), left three months before their contracts expired. The offer was put on the table for all directors whose five-year contracts came to an end in August, in order to give them the same opportunity afforded to Basson. A breakdown of confidence between George Mayor Melvin Naik and Basson was the cause of this significant chain of events.
Two directors,
Steven Erasmus
(Human Settlements and Planning) and
Keith Jordaan (Financial Services), opted to stay on and also reapplied for their contracts to be extended for another five years. Walter Hendricks (Community Services), was the only director who remained unaffected as his five-year contract only started last year. During the following months, officials kept the boat afloat in the three rudderless departments by acting in directors' posts. State of affairs Civil Engineering Services: Reggie Wesso started as director on Monday 2 October.
The George First Forum, a body made up of industry professionals, has written to the Minister of Local Government Anton Bredell regarding Wesso's appointment. Replying to a query from the George Herald regarding the validation of Wesso's appointment by Bredell, the minister said he "was following up". Electrotechnical Services:
An offer has been made to a candidate and negotiations are still in process. Ben August is currently acting as director. Human Settlements (now separate from Planning): Screening of shortlisted candidates is taking place. Charles Lubbe is acting as director.
Planning: Screening of shortlisted
candidates is taking place. Charles Lubbe is acting as director. Protection Services (a new department): Screening of shortlisted candidates is taking place. Community Services: Filled by Walter Hendricks in 2016. Financial Services: Keith Jordaan was re-appointed in September.
Corporate Services: The position will be re-advertised in line with a council resolution. Theo Roodman is currently acting as director.
Municipal Spokesperson Chantel EdwardsKlose confirmed that up to this date, no feedback has been received from Bredell regarding council's appointments and candidate suggestions. The minister has the final say in these appointments.