ELM suspends newly appointed MM

SEDIBENG. – Barely a year into his tenure, the Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) suspended its Municipal Manager (MM), Lucky Leaseane last week.
Sedibeng Ster is told that Leseane was suspended, verbally, with immediate effect, for not consulting the Council and having its go ahead when he issued a memorandum to ELM employees about an annual salary increment that is due to them this year. It is said that Leaseane issued the memorandum after consultation only with the Mayoral Committee (MAYCO), which did not sit well with the Council which is the highest decision-making component of the ELM. Leaseane’s suspension decision was apparently taken at a Council sitting. Many within the ELM deem this as an unfair suspension with no formal, legislative, procedures followed.
The suspension is also said to have no terms of reference. There are reports of internal squabbles within the ELM about the MM position with many seeking to hold it, deeming it lucrative. Leaseane arrived in February, amid fanfare and was expected to be the link between the Council and the administration. Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, ELM Mayoral Spokesperson, Lebo Mofokeng said that ELM Executive Mayor, Reverend Gift Moerane is currently engaging with various stakeholders with regards to the matter.“The media will be kept abreast with any development during the course of the week.” The embattled ELM appointed Leaseane in February this year.

He replaced Oupa Nkoane as the new head of administration.