LIMPOPO – Makhado Municipality has officially appointed Godfrey Raliphada as its chief financial officer (CFO) in a special council meeting held on July 22. This long-awaited decision comes after a year of political strife and legal battles that delayed the appointment of a permanent CFO.

Previously serving as the acting CFO, Raliphada was initially identified as the most suitable candidate by the selection panel, scoring 86% in the interview process.

Despite this, the ANC’s political management team had appointed Mulatwa Thangavhuelelo, the CFO at Vhembe District Municipality, who scored 69%.

This decision was later deemed unlawful by the Polokwane High Court in February, which ruled in favour of Raliphada.

The council meeting, called by the municipal manager, Kent Nemaname, saw a significant turnout despite a directive from the ANC’s regional office advising councillors not to attend. The announcement of Raliphada’s permanent appointment was met with mixed reactions.

Makhado Mayor Dorcus Mboyi emphasised the urgency of appointing a permanent CFO to stabilise the municipality’s financial affairs. She noted that the Auditor-General had repeatedly urged the municipality to resolve the issue, as the reliance on acting positions was detrimental.

DA councillor Glenda Furumela expressed her satisfaction with the decision, highlighting the party’s persistent efforts to secure a permanent CFO. She also criticised the removal of certain portfolio committee chairpersons by the speaker, Gumani Mitileni, who she said acted without council resolution.

EFF councillor Wiseman Ramalwa welcomed Raliphada’s appointment, but criticised the financial burden imposed by the previous legal battle. He called for the current and former officials responsible for the unauthorised legal fees to be held accountable.

Raliphada’s appointment is expected to bring much-needed stability to Makhado Municipality’s financial management, paving the way for improved service delivery and financial oversight.