MM certified qualified

With allegations streaming in regarding Emadlangeni Municipality, one concern of residents and municipal officials alike has been put to bed.

In an article appearing in the April 10 edition of Newcastle Advertiser, ‘Radio silence continues over allegation,’ a municipal official questioned the qualifications of the municipal manager, Gugulethu Ntshangase.

“According to municipal sources, the documents furnished by the municipal manager, Gugulethu Ntshangase, during her application process, were allegedly fraudulent.

“I used various verification agencies who confirmed they could not find the qualification at South African Qualifications Agency (SAQA),” alleged the source.

His concerns intensified because the Department of Education took longer than a month to confirm the qualifications.”

The article stated the concerns of the municipal official who believed the municipality was not under the best leadership, but also stated the Department of Education confirmed Mrs Ntshangase’s matric pass.

However, some readers misinterpreted the statement to be a confirmation that Mrs Nsthangase did not hold the said qualifications.

After investigations were conducted, it was proven that Mrs Ntshangase did in fact complete her schooling career at St Dominic’s Academy in Newcastle, before continuing in her academic path and completing a B.Com at the University of Free State.

“Mrs Ntshangase was a registered student at the University of the Free State for the period January 2001 up to until November 2003. She complied with all the requirements for the Baccalaureus Commercii during 2003. The degree was conferred on her at a ceremony held on 8 May 2004,” said Deputy Director: Student Academic Services for Registrar, NT Venter.

Sincere apology goes out to Mrs Ntshangase and any community member who misinterpreted the previous article.