In office, until further notice

Tshwane city manager Moeketsi Mosola has managed to save himself, as the city council has decided not to suspend him but rather wait for the outcome of investigations into irregular tender contracts.

In a special council sitting yesterday, the different parties took hours to decide whether to suspend Mosola for his alleged involvement in an exorbitant tender with engineering consultant company, GladAfrica.

After the saga made headlines last month, Tshwane mayor Solly Msimanga launched an investigation into Mosola’s alleged involvement. The city’s council also issued the city manager with a notice of intention to suspend, which he responded to last week.

But after council sitting was scheduled to commence at noon, the party chief whips took hours to deliberate amending certain recommendations in Mosola’s suspension report.

However, by 5.30pm, the council came to a unanimous decision for Mosola to remain in his chair while he was under investigation.

The Economic Freedom Fighters had initially suggested that preliminary investigations should be reported to council after 60 days, but that was quickly refuted by ANC chief whip Aaron Maluleka.

“We suggest the preliminary investigations be proposed to council in the next 30 days.”

Meanwhile, council voted that COO James Murphy appoint an independent investigator to probe the contract.