Mhlathuze Water appoints interim CEO amid fraud case against officials
THE board of Mhlathuze Water has appointed Dr Simo Lushaba as the utility’s interim chief executive.
The announcement on Monday came as suspended CEO Mthokozisi Duze faces fraud charges at the Durban Specialised Commercial Crimes Court, along with suspended chief financial officer Babongile Mnyandu.
Duze is charged with intimidation, defeating or obstructing the course of justice and fraud and is expected to appear in court today for a bail application ruling along with two other co-accused.
Mnyandu is currently out on R60 000 bail and will return to court on December 6.
The alleged fraud to the value of about R37 million was discovered during an internal audit.
Among the accused is the director-general in the KwaZulu-Natal premier’s office, Nonhlanhla Mkhize. She is charged with intimidation and defeating or obstructing the course of justice. She was granted bail of R25 000 on Friday.
Mhlathuze Water said Lushaba was born in KwaMashu and grew up in Gingindlovu and had a strong background in good governance and ethical leadership.
“He assumes leadership of the organisation at a critical time where the delivery of infrastructure projects for the benefit of communities in northern KwaZulu-Natal has been placed high on Mhlathuze Water’s agenda,” said Mhlathuze Water spokesperson Siyabonga Maphumulo.
He said Lushaba has vast experience in both the public and private sectors and has served in various leadership capacities including as chief executive and managing director of Rand Water.
“He has a solid track record in the areas of business and corporate strategy, risk governance and value creation.
“Dr Lushaba has led as an executive director, non-executive director and non-executive chairman in various sectors including state-owned entities, municipal-owned entities and privately owned companies.”
Among his qualifications, Lushaba holds a BSc (Honours) in advanced biochemistry, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA).
Mhlathuze Water board chairperson Thabi Shange said: “Dr Lushaba will bring much-needed stability to Mhlathuze Water. We have faith in his ability to guide the organisation as we pursue our mandate of hastening the delivery of water to communities and industries in northern KwaZulu-Natal.”
Shange also thanked Swaswa Ntlhoro who has been the acting chief executive at the water utility since December 2021.