Unions question Ugu’s ‘new’ MM
Nandi Dlamini was named the preferred municipal manager for Ugu by the municipality's Executive Committee (Exco) members.
Labour unions in Ugu District Municipality are against the appointment of a new municipal manager other than Vela Owen Mazibuko, who is currently the acting municipal manager.
This was evident in statements released by the Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union (IMATU) and the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) in Ugu.
In a statement, IMATU warned Ugu’s council against appointing Nandi Dlamini as the new municipal manager, saying that the appointment could yield unfavourable results.
The union said Dlamini, former Umzumbe acting municipal manager, was recently named the preferred candidate for the position by Ugu’s Executive Committee (Exco) members.
Lungisa Njiyela, IMATU’s Ugu chairperson, said they were shocked to learn about Dlamini’s ‘unfair appointment’ at the cost of Mazibuko, who has acted in the position for more than two years.
A councillor in Ugu who did not want to be named confirmed that Dlamini was the only candidate among the three who excelled during the interview and assessment processes.
They added all that was left was for Ugu council members to approve her appointment so that her name could be sent to the KZN Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) for the final endorsement.
They said the appointment could be finalised soon.
Njiyela said the entire exercise was extremely unfair and unjust, saying they will not remain silent in the face of injustice.
“We normally do not interfere with the nomination of senior administrators in municipalities, but the situation in Ugu requires us to make a statement. Mazibuko has effectively guided the ship through difficult conditions at Ugu. We at IMATU strongly support and recommend that the acting municipal manager be allowed to fulfil his tasks of fully returning the municipality to its former grandeur. We warn the council that their conduct may lead to and have unfavourable effects,” said Njiyela.
Also, SAMWU’s Mthandeni Ngcobo said they have written to Ugu mayor Sikhumbuzo Mqadi and the council to challenge the hiring process.
Ngcobo said they have noted several legislative non-compliance in the process. According to the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), only a municipal council can appoint a municipal manager in terms of Section 82 of the Municipal Structures Act.
“Furthermore, section 30(5) of the Structures Act states that before a municipal council can decide on the appointment of a municipal manager or of the head of a municipal department, the executive mayor or Exco must submit a report and recommendation concerning the appointment and conditions of employment,” said the association.
The Ugu municipal manager position became vacant in January 2023 after the former manager, Dr Elliot Michael Ntombela, died.
Ugu spokesperson France Zama said the municipality was still busy with the recruitment process.
“It would, therefore, be premature to make any pronouncements on the issues raised, pending the finalisation of the process,” said Zama.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like the South Coast Fever’s Facebook page
