STLM: avoid ‘anxiety, panic, uncertainty’ of citizens
The Steve Tshwete Municipality tries to ease tensions after rumors of a controversial appointment as Municipal Manager surfaced.
The municipality appealed for calm in the run up to the appointment of a new Municipal Manager. Council is busy with the recruitment process and no final decisions have been made.
In a carefully worded press release, council however fails to confirm or deny claims that Theo van Vuuren, Municipal Manager at the Emalahleni Local Municipality, is in line for the job.
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The municipality provided the following information on the recruitment process:
• November 2014: Position is advertised in national newspapers. This was before the contract with then Municipal Manager Willie Fouche, expired.
• February 2015: Acting municipal manager, Mandla Mnguni, is appointed.
• 7 September 2015: Shortlisting of candidates.
• 14 September 2015: Interviews are conducted.
• 12 and 30 October 2015: Assessments are done.
• November 2016: The post is re-advertised.
• 17 January 2017: Shortlisting is done.
• 11 March and 15 July 2017: Interviews are scheduled.
The press release fails to explain why the process was done twice.
• 9 October 2017: Council sends a request to the MEC to second an Acting Municipal Manager.
The municipality stated that the request was done according to the Municipal Systems Act which involves the municipal council and the MEC of Local Government.
“If the MEC has not seconded a suitable person after 60 days, the matter is escalated to the minister responsible for Local Government. The Premier plays no role in the appointment of municipal officials.”
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The municipality say that the request emanated from council after recognising the “humane need of resting” the Deputy Municipal Manager, Mandla Mnguni, from acting as MM whilst the process of appointing a permanent MM is finalised.
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“We know that this may cause anxiety, panic and uncertainty to citizens of this municipality. We are taking citizens into our confidence , so that calm should be restored.”
The Steve Tshwte Municipality further state that all interested parties will have to go through the recruitment process to finalise an appointment.
“We are confident that the outcome will be favourable to the municipality, however we cannot predict the outcome.”
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