BCM appoints four of five directors behind closed doors

BCM approved the appointment of four new directors during a closed meeting at the Abottsford Christian Centre yesterday.

All director posts in the metro, except that of CFO, have been vacant for months. The DA late yesterday accused the ANC of being xenophobic after the ruling party used its majority to block the appointment of a Zimbabwean who was recommended for one of the director positions.

A confidential report by metro boss Andile Fani recommended the filling of five director positions yesterday.

The new directors are:

• Nceba Ncunyana as head of engineering services;
• Ncumisa Sidukwana as head of executive support;
• Sooriah Naidoo as head of corporate services; and
• Nonceba Mbali-Majeng as head of planning.

Deputy mayor Themba Tinta refused to comment. “The matter is in pink paper and remains confidential. We can only comment once the item has been finalised at the next council meeting in January. For now, the item remains confidential,” said Tinta.

While the council voted in support of four of the recommendations, it was the decision not to endorse the appointment of Lawrence Valeta as local economic development director that left a bitter taste for rival parties. His appointment was deferred to the next council meeting in January, despite Fani recommending it.

“Some councillors raised an issue about Valeta’s nationality, to the shock of everyone,” said a councillor who asked to remain anonymous.

Valeta has been working for the metro for seven years.

Fani apparently did not table the reports on housing and that on public health and safety, but promised to prepare one for the first council meeting next year.

The three director posts still vacant are housing, community services, and public health and safety. — Additional reporting by Siphe Macanda