Controversy over RNM appointment
Councillor Doug Rawlins said the DA rejected Ndwalane's appointment based on the opinion that the same candidate finished his contract with Ray Nkonyeni Municipality under a cloud of mismanaging the same department, saying that it had to do with allegedly overpaying a contractor.
The DA in Ray Nkonyeni Municipality (RNM) recently opposed the appointment of Mthandeni Ndwalane as the head of the Community Services department.
DA Caucus leader, Douglas Rawlins said they have rejected Ndwalane’s appointment because he allegedly completed his contract with RNM under a cloud, and mismanaged the same department where a contractor was overpaid.
However, Ndwalane told Fever that after a legal marathon that lasted close to a year, he was found innocent.
He explained that the allegations relating to internal processes and the appointment of a service provider levelled against him were unfounded, as it was later discovered that the entire process had been flawed and that he was not involved.
Rawlins said at a recent council sitting, an item was discussed that dealt with the appointment of the head of the Community Services department, saying that this was after an interview panel made their recommendations.
“After scrutinising the item, the DA caucus was of the opinion that the recommended candidate, Ndwalane was not suitable for this position. In fact, he was suspended by RNM two years before his contract came to an end,” said Rawlins.
He added that Ndwalane never faced a disciplinary hearing at that time, saying that RNM decided to stop disciplinary action against him because his contract had expired.
Rawlins said RNM advertised the vacancy and the same person (Ndwalane) applied for the job. He was invited to an interview and declared the successful candidate by the interview panel.
“The Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus) councillor voted along with the ANC therefore strengthening the ANC majority on this resolution, together with another minor party, the AIC. The EFF abstained,” said Rawlins.
FF Plus councillor, Rochelle Robbetze told Fever that she seconded the appointment because Ndwalane was found not guilty after investigations were concluded.
“My concern was that if the candidate had to take us to court for opposing the appointment, we would have no leg to stand on as FF Plus because he was found not guilty,” she said.
Meanwhile, Ndwalane said he should be given a chance to show that he is an honest and reliable civil servant.
“I have not received anything yet from RNM, but I did attend interviews and went for a psychometric assessment. If I get appointed, I will take the opportunity to vindicate myself and show them how diligent I am in terms of executing my work. It is just a matter of being patient and giving me an opportunity because what they are currently going on about does not have merit,” said Ndwalane.
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