During a marathon meeting of the Polokwane municipal council that started at 14:00 last Thursday and only ended around midnight, the appointment of a municipal manager was approved.
The part of the meeting that dealt with this important matter was closed for the public and media. Acting Communications and Marketing Manager of the municipality, Matshidiso Mothapo however confirmed that the name of the successful candidate in this pivotal position on the municipality’s staff establishment will be announced as soon as the person has been notified and has accepted the appointment. The outcome of the administrative processes was not yet available at the time of going to press. Mothapo indicated that it was anticipated that the new Municipal Manager will assume duty on 1 May.
Council also resolved that the positions of the Community Services and Corporate and Shared Services Directors be advertised and filled as soon as possible. In both instances the panels that will compile the shortlist and interview candidates will consist of the Municipal Manager as Chairperson and a member of the Mayoral Committee as well as one representative each from South African Local Government Association, Provincial Treasury and Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs.
According to a report tabled in council, the position of Community Services Director Henri Lubbe became vacant at the end of January when his contract ended and the position of Corporate and Shared Services Director and former Municipal Manager of Aganang Municipality, Ramakuntwane Selepe deployed there following the incorporation of Aganang Municipality, will become vacant at the end of July.
Story & photo: BARRY VILJOEN
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