THE legitimacy of the reappointment of Willy Kekana as municipal manager of the Mogalakwena Municipality two weeks ago, is being tested in court, with a ruling by the Northern Gauteng high court being awaited.
This follows after the South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) challenged the council’s decision, alleging that the proper process was not followed.
Kekana’s contract has been a bone of contention since the in-fighting between former mayor, Thlalefi Mashamaite, Kekana and council members started last year. Kekana’s contract, which ends this week, has been extended until 2017.
Samwu provincial secretary, Simon Mathye, said the current situation at the municipality had divided the trade union. He said the status of the councillors who took the resolution on Kekana’s reappointment was questionable. These councillors were those who had been expelled by the ANC. “Why do they have the authority to make such a decision on behalf of the ANC when they have been expelled?” he questioned.
However, the councillors involved indicated they were prepared to submit all the necessary documentation to prove that the correct procedure was followed.
DA Limpopo leader, Jacques Smalle said the reappointment of Kekana had a lot of outstanding issues.
Spokesperson for the ANC in Limpopo, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said she could not comment on the matter. She referred CV to Samwu for comment.
A ruling will be made by the Northern Gauteng high court on Friday.
