The Modimolle-Mookgophong Local Municipality (Nylstroom, Alma, Vaalwater, Naboomspruit, Roedtan) faces a period of administrative uncertainty following the Council’s decision to appoint yet another acting municipal manager.
During a special council meeting on Friday (5 September), the Council noted the recommendation by Limpopo’s Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) that the Municipality should not settle its legal dispute with the former Municipal Manager, Mr Ben Thobela.
Mr. Mr Thobela was previously found guilty of financial mismanagement through an internal investigation. Such legal disputes could take up to three years to resolve.
The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) proposed to the Council that an acting municipal manager, seconded by COGTA, should be appointed. This approach would have eliminated unnecessary and time-consuming political disputes. The ANC caucus rejected the proposal, though.
The ANC caucus proceeded to use its majority vote to appoint Mr Charles Malema, the Municipality’s current chief financial officer, as the new acting Municipal Manager.
He thus replaces Mr Patrick Shika, whose appointment in June was rejected by COGTA because he did not meet the legal requirements for the position.
Appointing a temporary acting municipal manager every three months hinders long-term strategic planning and decision-making within the Municipality.
There can be no accountability for important long-term decisions if a municipal manager is not properly and permanently appointed.
This situation could have a significant and lasting impact on the Municipality’s stability and service delivery.
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Biltong – seasoned strips of dried meat. Similar to beef jerky (but much tastier!), this is the spicy, cured snack eaten at rugby matches. It is usually made from beef, game and even ostrich.
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