Dr Elizabeth Tshabalala has been appointed to oversee the functioning of the municipality, with Municipal Manager Mandla Mnguni only expected back in office come February.

Mnguni is currently on annual leave, which started on November 21, after he was initially placed on sick leave following a serious health scare in Mbombela on October 1, which has been extended till the end of January 2025, municipal spokeswoman Lerato Kgomo confirmed.

Mnguni was hospitalised on October 1 and released the same week after extensive medical tests.

Councillors praised Tshabalala during last week’s ordinary council sitting, where she was again appointed in an acting capacity.

Mnguni was attending a water and sanitation meeting hosted by Deputy Minister David Mahlobo when he became ‘disoriented’.
He accompanied Mayor Mhlonishwa Masilela to the meeting.

Due to stroke symptoms, he was rushed to the hospital, where he underwent numerous medical tests.

Kgomo said his health is improving, while councillors wished him well on the road to full recovery.
He has not publicly commented on his health.

The municipality also declined to give more details.