Bhisho has done a U-turn on some controversial local government appointments.Cooperative governance and traditional affairs (Cogta) MEC Fikile Xasa has decided to probe previously approved appointments of senior Mbashe municipality officials, starting with the chief financial officer, after complaints from COPE councillor Nkosinathi Ndlodaka that some senior managers had made the cut without meeting minimum requirements.
Cogta spokesman Mamnkeli Ngam said that once all internal administrative processes had been finalised, “a team will be dispatched to investigate the matter and provide feedback to the MEC”.
In his letter of complaint to Xasa dated September 23 and seen by the Dispatch, Ndlodaka said recruitment processes of senior managers at the Dutywa-based council were “irregular” and human resources matters were “cause for concern”.
Ndlodaka singled out the May 29 appointment of Xolani Sikobi as Mbhashe’s CFO, saying the council was given no time to scrutinise the appointment.
“I wish to record that the council report on this appointment was issued during that council meeting and that is not authorised by any clause in our standing rules.
“Probing of the report recommending the appointment of the CFO was not allowed and information contained was insufficient,” Ndlodaka told Xasa.
He wrote that his attempts to get more information on the appointment were in vain, and he believed requirements had been lowered to accommodate Sikobi.
“The advert for the post required three years’ experience, which is contrary to Section 56 of the Municipal Systems Act. The advert did not comply with legislation which requires five years’ experience,” wrote Ndlodaka.
“The CFO only had three years experience as a budget manager and we believe that there were more competent applicants who were not considered.”
Sikobi could not be reached for comment, but municipal spokesman Mzimasi Dyomfana confirmed the investigation.
Dyomfana said: “We are surprised because also attached to the letter informing us of such, was the MEC’s earlier letter of concurrence for the CFO’s appointment.
“The fact that the MEC had concurred to such appointment shows that the recruitment of the CFO was above board. It shows that the MEC agreed that all processes were procedurally followed.”
Ndlodaka confirmed writing to Xasa, but refused to comment further, saying he would wait to see how it all unfolded.
Xasa could not be reached for comment.
Bhisho tackles controversial appointments
Cooperative governance and traditional affairs (Cogta) MEC Fikile Xasa has decided to probe previously approved appointments of senior Mbashe municipality officials, starting with the chief financial officer, after complaints from COPE councillor Nkosinathi Ndlodaka that some senior managers had made the cut without meeting minimum requirements.
Cogta spokesman Mamnkeli Ngam said that once all internal administrative processes had been finalised, “a team will be dispatched to investigate the matter and provide feedback to the MEC”.
In his letter of complaint to Xasa dated September 23 and seen by the Dispatch, Ndlodaka said recruitment processes of senior managers at the Dutywa-based council were “irregular” and human resources matters were “cause for concern”.
Ndlodaka singled out the May 29 appointment of Xolani Sikobi as Mbhashe’s CFO, saying the council was given no time to scrutinise the appointment.
“I wish to record that the council report on this appointment was issued during that council meeting and that is not authorised by any clause in our standing rules.
“Probing of the report recommending the appointment of the CFO was not allowed and information contained was insufficient,” Ndlodaka told Xasa.
He wrote that his attempts to get more information on the appointment were in vain, and he believed requirements had been lowered to accommodate Sikobi.
“The advert for the post required three years’ experience, which is contrary to Section 56 of the Municipal Systems Act. The advert did not comply with legislation which requires five years’ experience,” wrote Ndlodaka.
“The CFO only had three years experience as a budget manager and we believe that there were more competent applicants who were not considered.”
Sikobi could not be reached for comment, but municipal spokesman Mzimasi Dyomfana confirmed the investigation.
Dyomfana said: “We are surprised because also attached to the letter informing us of such, was the MEC’s earlier letter of concurrence for the CFO’s appointment.
“The fact that the MEC had concurred to such appointment shows that the recruitment of the CFO was above board. It shows that the MEC agreed that all processes were procedurally followed.”
Ndlodaka confirmed writing to Xasa, but refused to comment further, saying he would wait to see how it all unfolded.
Xasa could not be reached for comment.
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