The Greater Tzaneen Municipality special council sitting on Monday reversed the appointment of acting municipal manager and the acting director for planning and economic development.
This after the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) obtained a Labour Court interdict against the acting municipal manager, Obby Mkhombo, the acting director for planning and economic development, Mgama Mathye.
According to the Labour Court interdict obtained on November 18, the municipal council resolution to appoint the two officials on October 2, was in contravention of the Municipal Systems Act.
Municipal spokesperson, Neville Ndlala said the council took a decision not to contest the court interdict in a bid to avoid a prolonged legal battle which council view as unnecessary and a waste of tax payer’s money.
“Contrary to media reports and rumours, council did not violate or disregard the court order. GTM respects the court as the custodian of the rule of law,” said Ndlala.
Ndlala said the current, Chief Financial Officer Norah Lion has been appointed the acting municipal manager for a period that will not exceed three months, which is in line with the Municipal Systems Act as amended.
Lion has obtained the following qualifications: Secretarial and Commercial diploma from St Anthony’s College; Bachelor of Accountancy Science (UNISA): Honours B Compt (UNISA); Masters of Commerce (University of North West) and Masters of Business Administration (UNISA).
Lion has extensive experience in both government and the private sector having worked in the following institutions: Senior Administration officer (UNISA); Trainee Accountant (Price Waterhouse Coopers – 2002 – 2003); Trainee Accountant (Vhashumi Consultants), Financial and Administrative Manager ( UNISA); Manager (Gauteng Treasury); Senior Manager Financial Accounting ( National Treasury) and Financial Executive Manager (Gautrain Management Agency).
She is currently studying towards becoming a Chartered Accountant.
She is a member of the following professional bodies: South African Institution of Tax Practitioner (SAIT); South African Institution of Professional Accountants (SAIPA) and Institution of Financial Officers (IMFO).
Meanwhile, Mkhombo who is the municipality’s director of community services is challenge the municipality’s decision to relieve him of his acting capacity and the matter will be heard the Labour Court in Gauteng on Friday.
The municipal manager Masiye Mankabidi was suspended in April and he is still being subjected to disciplinary hearing for alleged misconduct.
