Interim board appointed at Umgeni Water amid non-compliance issues

The Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation, Lindiwe Sisulu, appointed an 11-member interim board at Umgeni Water, that would begin its tenure with immediate effect, after it was discovered there was non-compliance with the national cabinet approved protocol when appointing members of a state-owned entity.

The corporate stakeholder manager at Umgeni Water, Shami Harichunder, said the previous board was appointed by the then outgoing Minister of Water and Sanitation, effective from 1 May 2019.

“The interim board comprises capable men and women from diverse backgrounds whose primary task is to hold the fort and steer the organisation in the right direction and ensure that governance principles are observed, maintained and enhanced in order to underpin the sustainability of the organisation,” said Harichunder.

The members of the interim board are: Magasela Mzobe (chairman), Thabo Johannes Tselane (deputy chairman),Vuyani Ndara, Sydney James, Mlamli Thembinkosi Magigaba, Bheki Innocent Dladla, Pretty Ntombela, Unathi Mhlope, Manqoba Ngubo, Linda Ngcobo and Sindisiwe Fortunate Getyeza.

The interim board’s term began on Saturday, 1 August and will last until a permanent board is appointed by the Minister.

“The interim board has full powers and responsibilities of a fully-fledged accounting authority and will perform its strategic role and oversight functions at Umgeni Water in line with, and in complete recognition of, all governance imperatives, including the Water Services Act, the Public Finance Management Act, the Municipal Finance Management Act, the Municipal Systems Act, the Companies Act and King IV Reports on Corporate Governance,” said Harichunder.

He noted that the interim board would continue to be supported by an ethics committee that is chaired by an independent member.

Sisulu indicated that the process for the appointment of a permanent board would be expedited.