Staff were used like condoms – Speaker Mdluli

Endumeni Council Speaker Siduduzo Mdluli has taken the unprecedented step of apologising to the public for the chaos that has gripped the municipality since September.
The municipality was snatched from the brink of a complete meltdown last Wednesday when a special Council meeting resolved to ‘re-suspend’ Municipal Manager TP Biyela, who is facing various charges.
Advocate R Brijraj, who was assaulted by a group of municipal workers in front of the municipality in December, is to return as Municipal Manager.
Three other senior managers were appointed on an acting basis.
In an interview with the Courier, Speaker Mdluli admitted that ‘many strange things have happened in the municipality over the last few months’.
“People have been appointed in jobs-for-pals scenarios. Others were promoted illegally, while ratepayers were kept in the dark. Computers have been stolen, an office petrol-bombed and our acting Municipal Manager assaulted.
“Even senior officials from the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) had their tyres slashed when they attempted to address Council.
“We have a duty to protect our employees, our assets and our leadership. What has been happening is unacceptable.”
He said that some critics have compared Endumeni to a ‘spaza shop’. “I disagree. These days even spaza shops are run professionally.”
He believes the landmark resolutions taken last week will go a long way towards bringing back stability and restoring the municipality’s dented image.
“Monies are going to have to be recouped – fruitless and wasteful expenditure on staff who have received more than they should have.
“There is going to be resistance, but we cannot turn a blind eye; we must do the right thing to protect our municipality and our tax-payers.”
Council is going to scrutinise every notice and decision taken since September 25, which saw an illegal meeting uplift Mr Biyela’s suspension.
“It is going to be challenging. We will also check the code of conduct, and some people may be charged accordingly.”
Speaker Mdluli said Mr Biyela’s disciplinary hearing will continue until finalised.
“Advocate Brijraj will return. However, if he chooses not to come back – the assault on him was traumatic – COGTA will send us another acting Municipal Manager.”
Acting managers appointed last week include Mark Donaldson (Technical Services) and Desiga Padayachee (Corporate Services), while the post of Chief Financial Officer is still Gerhard Esterhuizen, who for now must complete the draft budget.
Mr Esterhuizen has also resigned – an acting appointment will have to be made.
Still outstanding is the annual report and the adjustment budget.
“There is lots to do, but Council has taken firm decisions to bring back discipline and put this municipality on track.”
Asked about the huge theft of electricity – R29-million in the last financial year – Speaker Mdluli said ‘a massive consumer awareness programme needs to be conducted to convince people not to make illegal connections’.