The DA in KwaZulu-Natal has called on the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) to resolve the impasse over the appointment of the municipal manager in the Msunduzi Municipality.
The position of the city manager became vacant after the municipality placed Lulamile Mapholoba on suspension on a myriad allegations.
Mapholoba and the City are involved in a legal battle over his suspension which he has said was unjust and unfair.
Sabelo Hlela was appointed to act in the post but that acting period came to an end recently and attempts to renew faced a challenge after Cogta raised concerns about the extension of the acting period for Hlela.
The matter has since been resolved.
Marlaine Nair, MPL-DA KZN spokesperson on Cogta said the Msunduzi Municipality deserves to have stable leadership.
“The bottom line is that Msunduzi’s residents have suffered for far too long and a permanent MM is needed for the municipality to function effectively.
“The DA therefore calls on MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi to urgently intervene and ensure that the disciplinary process relating to the former MM is finalised.
“In the event that he is found innocent, he must be reinstated. If guilty he must be removed and the post advertised nationally in order to find a suitable candidate.
“KZN’s people are looking to the government of provincial unity (GPU) to take bold steps and make decisions that benefit them.
“The DA remains committed to its oversight role within KZN’s new administration and to working with MEC Buthelezi and his department to bring stability and progress in Msunduzi and all other KZN municipalities,” she said.
The Mercury