Farewell to Newcastle’s senior municipal managers
Chief Operations Officer, Errol Mshwane likened losing the two figures to that of losing family members.
On Friday, the Newcastle Municipality bid farewell to two of its senior management staff.
Municipal Manager, Kebone Masange, and Director of Legal Services, Makhosini Nkosi, both leave the municipality behind at the end of this month. The farewell was held at Ekhaya Lounge, with municipal officials, politicians, friends and family members of the pair in attendance.
A host of speeches were delivered, with Director of Corporate Services, Eugene Hauptfleisch beginning the proceedings.
“Mr Masange has been an open door leader. He spent 17 years with us, and he was the type of leader who would not just go the extra mile, but a few extra kilometres as well,” said Mr Hauptfleisch.
Chief Operations Officer, Errol Mshwane likened losing the two figures to that of losing family members. He joked that Mr Nkosi had not yet finished his ‘ten-year period’ of senior management with the municipality, having only served five years.
“We always say when you work for this municipality you must work for at least ten years. You haven’t. So maybe you will come back in the future Makho’. But for now we can only wish to employ someone as good as you,” said Mr Mshwane.
Mr Nkosi offered heartfelt goodbyes during his own personal speech, and it must be remembered under his leadership, the municipality has not lost a single case.
He advised municipal officials not to mix politics and work.
“When you are employed by the municipality, you are employed by the people, not the governing political party. I am an ANC member and leader, but I was always an administrator of the municipality first.
“If you are employed by the municipality make sure whatever you do is in the best interest of the organisation.”
He did, however, extend his thanks to the ruling party for giving him the opportunity to serve within the municipality and be a part of its policy making departments.
He also chastised officials who made councillors look bad.
“Officials, do your job! When the councillor reports an issue to you, it is your duty to get the work done.
“This is what you are paid for,” he emphasised.
Mr Masange said Newcastle would always be his home away from home. He believed the municipality had the structure in place to ensure constant growth in the future.
With the loss of these two officials, the precautionary suspension of Strategic Executive Director (SED) of Community Services, Mandla Sithole, the vacant seats of SED Technical Services and Chief Financial Officer, plus the retirement of the SED Corporate Services, Eugene Hauptfleisch, the municipality’s managerial structure were questioned.
Mayor Afzul Rehman responded.
“We have structures in place to ensure the directors below our SED’s will be able to step into their place and act as a manager in their stead.”
Cllr Rehman was also questioned about the causes possibly leading to these senior managers leaving their posts.
He was asked whether these decisions directly related to the political climate change currently experienced in Newcastle.
“It is not that. Newcastle is used by many of its employees as the stepping stone to further their career. Politics does not, and should not, play a part in the appointment of officials. Officials are appointed on merit of their work.”
The Newcastle Advertiser bids farewell and good luck to Mr Masange and Mr Nkosi.
