HIGHVELD – Ms Thandi Ngxonono, executive mayor, has taken special leave after her dramatic announcement of reshuffling the mayoral committee.
She axed Ms Betty Ndaba who was the MMC for Corporate Services and replaced her with Ms Thandiwe Zulu, Ward 14 councillor.
She appointed Mr Dan Nhlapho, MMC for Energy, as the acting mayor.
These shocking announcements were made towards the end of a virtual special council meeting held on Thursday, 8 October.
This shocked many council members, even from the ANC, because it was apparently not discussed in their caucus.
A long-serving councillor, who wanted to remain anonymous, told the newspaper that in his experience as councillor, he has never seen a mayor going on leave.
“These are interesting times, none of these matters were discussed in the ANC caucus and we were all shocked.
“However, it is the prerogative of the mayor to appoint or fire any person from the mayoral committee. We will wait and see how this will unfold.”
In the same meeting, Mr Bongumusa Sithole, Chief Financial Officer (CFO), was suspended.
His suspension came after he was implicated in the investigations done into the suspected municipal manager, Mr Felani Mndebele.
Mr Nhlakanipho Zuma, the speaker, said one of the reasons for his suspension is the matter of late submission of annual financial statements.
He said the outcomes of the disciplinary processes with be finalised in the next 90 days.
Mr Zuma said Ms Ngxonono is on special leave in her capacity as the executive mayor, but as PR councillor she is still at work.
“At this stage, it is unclear how long she will be on special leave. She is still expected to do her job as the PR councillor. If she is still on leave by 29 October, I will have to designate her to a committee where she will serve.
“I cannot discuss the reasons why she is on special leave.”
The Economic Freedom Fighters welcomed the suspension of Mr Sithole and said that they are happy that finally he is subjected to consequence management to enable proper investigation.
Mr Thabiso Mofokeng of the EFF said it was time action is taken against the CFO.
“We have been calling for this for a long time. Firstly we all know by now that he was not duly appointed and his appointment was illegal.
“But it will be discussed when the forensic report is discussed in council.”
In a separate incident, Mr Mandla Msibi, MEC for Cogta, delivered the Section 106 forensic investigation report on Thursday, 6 October, with serious consequences for those who contravened the law.
He said the Govan Mbeki Municipality seems to disregard its own policies and that there is undue political influence.
He recommended that those who were found in contravention of the regulations must be reported to the Hawks.
Those who must be reported to the Hawks include local company directors, administrators and senior politicians.
Mr Zuma said at this stage he cannot comment about the 200-page report, because it has not been put before council yet. Ridge Times is in possession of a copy of this report.
