THE Greater Tzaneen municipal manager Masiye Mankabidi has been suspended for misconduct pending an investigation into the allegations against him.
According to municipal spokesperson, Neville Ndlala, the council suspended Mankabidi on Friday after he failed to respond to a precautionary suspension notice which was intended to give him an opportunity to make representations on why he was not to be suspended.
He was given seven days to respond.
Ndlala said Mankabidi’s suspension related to the handling of the multi-million rand road infrastructure development projects.
Mankabidi is alleged to have approved payment of R7,6 million to a road construction company that is behind schedule on the Sasekani-Nkowankowa road without following proper payment procedure.
He allegedly appointed the same construction company on the R48 million Thapane-Murutji road contract, going against the advice of the tender bids adjudication committee. He also allegedly refused to approve funds for the Senakwe-Morapalala road.
Ndlala said he could not confirm any of these allegations.
Mankabidi could not be reached for comment.
Obby Mkhombo, director of community services, was appointed as the acting municipal manager for a period not exceeding three months as per the Local Government Systems Act.
Mkhomo, who has been the director of the award-winning communicty services department for more than 10 years, holds a masters degree in public administration, an honours degree in criminal justice, a diploma in project management and several certificates in executive management.
