DBNLM appoints 3 new directors

The Dr Beyers Naudé Local Municipality (DBNLM) appointed three directors at a committee special council meeting on 9 July.

Zoleka Kali was appointed as the director corporate service, with Gewynne Hermanus as director community service and Benjamin Arends the director engineering and planning.

The acting spokesperson, Edwardine Abader, did not comment on questions surrounding the silence from the municipality about the removal of director budget and treasury (CFO) Heleen Kok in November 2019, with Delphine Sauls taking her place. Up to date, the DBNLM refused answers about the matter. Abader just said Kok is still the director and Sauls the acting director. Days before Kok's disappearance Mayor Deon de Vos praised her for her integrity, governance and the fact that provincial and national treasury sought help from her to resolve the fading R30-million of drought relief funds. With the appointment of the new directors last week, De Vos said the municipality has been struggling for years to appoint suitable candidates in the mentioned positions.

"The positions were advertised in both local and national newspapers during September 2019," said De Vos.

The shortlisting of suitable candidates was conducted on 24 January and screening of candidates took place within 21 days of finalisation of the shortlisting as prescribed by legislation.

The interviewing of candidates took place on 11 and 12 March by various role players, including Dr EM Rankwana, the municipal manager and chairperson.

De Vos said the Covid-19 pandemic and the statement made by the president declaring lockdown resulted in a delay to finalise the last leg of the recruitment and selection process.

The appointed service provider recommended the three suitable candidates for the respective positions. They were appointed on a seven-year fixed-term.

MP Samantha Graham-Maré said she was not aware that they had contravened the legislation due to the lockdown. "I am concerned that, according to my councillors, some of the appointees do not meet the criteria in terms of the legislation. Furthermore, the mayor has announced the appointments without having concurrence from the MEC," Graham Maré said. She is also extremely shocked at the seven-year appointment. "This is unusual, although not illegal."

Candidates for corporate services were Zoleka Viola Kali, Khayalethu Mrali and Modiri Matthews Gaselebelwe. For community services, it was Benjamin Arends, Tshidiso Ramphele, Gewnynne Hermanus, Khayalethu Mrali, Lungiswa Roji and Patrick Dreyer.

The candidates for technical services were Dabula Njilo, Benjamin Arends and Phillip Themba Mosompha.