ActionSA has objected to the extension of KwaDukuza Municipal Manager (MM) Nhlanhla Mdakane’s contract by 3 months.
At an in-council item held during last week’s council meeting, concerns were again raised by ActionSA caucus leader Nel Sewraj over the hiring process of a new MM.
Serving in this position since 2014, Mdakane’s contract would have ended on January 31, but this was extended by 3 months until April 30.
The MM post, which has been advertised since October 18, 2021, is still to be filled.
KDM spokesperson, Sipho Mkhize said the extension was necessary given that Mdakane serves as the caretaker executive director of community services and as the accounting officer.
As the contract ends at the start of the year and at the beginning of a new council’s tenure, it makes more sense to rather extend the contract because of the crucial timing, he said.
“The institutional memory and administrative leadership of the current MM is of utmost importance for continuity.
“Appointing an acting MM not familiar with these roles at this critical period may be detrimental as councillors are currently adapting to the new environment and being capacitated regarding their roles,” said Mkhize.
Democratic Alliance caucus leader and ward 6 councillor, Tammy Colley, agreed that the 3 month extension was necessary to avoid an acting MM.
ActionSA were the only party to object on the record to this extension, claiming it contravened a directive from the provincial Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta).
“Four months ago the previous Council decided to extend the employment contract of the current MM and sought approval from the KZN Cogta MEC. But, subsequently, in a circular to all municipalities, Cogta stated no extensions or renewals should be applied to expiring MM posts and such posts should be advertised.
“Cogta is the legislated executive body governing local municipalities, and as such KDM has a constitutional obligation to comply with its directives,” said Sewraj.
Concerns were raised last year about the selection panel for the MM post, which had no representation from any other party other than the African National Congress.
Mkhize refuted the claim that the previous council decided on a contract extension 4 months ago, or that anything untoward had been done in terms of constituting the selection panel.
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