LISTEN: UDM coalition partner insults DA counterparts

The coalition between the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the United Democratic Movement (UDM) in Nelson Mandela Bay metro is reportedly in trouble again following a heated meeting between deputy mayor Mongameli Bobani and municipal officials over the appointment of a director in the public health department.

The Sunday Times reported at the weekend that Bobani – who’s also the MMC for public health – wants his strategic adviser, Nombeko Nkomane, to be appointed to the post but mayor Athol Trollip and senior officials are against the move, arguing it might create a conflict of interest.

However, Bobani remains adamant there is no policy in place prohibiting him from appointing Nkomane.

During the tense meeting, which is said to have happened last Monday, the deputy mayor lashed out at two municipal officials, telling them he was their boss and opposed the shortlisting of candidates for the position in favour of his strategic adviser.

“The advert is clear. It says ‘in compliance with the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s employment equity plan, preference will be given to suitably qualified African, coloured, white, Indian female applicants’.

“Now I question you, city manager, and Vuyo Zitumane [the director of corporate affairs] … of ignoring the ad,” Bobani said, according to a recording the paper is in possession of.

He repeatedly shouts at his counterparts, “You must listen to me, I’m your boss!”

You can listen to it below:

“I do not care … she [Nombeko Nkomane] is good, she is better than you. I will recommend her. She is the best candidate, in fact she deserves to be the municipal manager, more than you.”

The paper reported that, for a second month running, both Trollip and Bobani were summoned to Cape Town last week by their party leaders, DA leader Mmusi Maimane and UDM president Bantu Holomisa, over their rocky relationship.

Previously the two Nelson Mandela Bay metro mayors were reprimanded after they differed on the appointment of the municipal manager and the director of corporate affairs.