Unions raise concerns over appointment of acting Municipal Manager in Matatiele
Workers’ unions in the Matatiele Local Municipality have expressed shock and confusion over the council’s decision to appoint an acting Municipal Manager from outside the municipality, instead of selecting one of the institution’s senior managers.
The South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) and the Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union (IMATU) voiced their concerns in interviews with The Informer on Friday, following the resignation of former Municipal Manager Lizo Matiwane.
SAMWU has since written to the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Zolile Williams, objecting to the process followed by council. SAMWU Secretary Sanele Ndevu said the union expected council to appoint one of the municipality’s existing senior managers in an acting capacity.
“We were shocked that council decided to bring someone from outside when there are capable managers within the municipality,” said Ndevu. “We also believed that someone like Khaluwe Mehlomakhulu, who understands the dynamics of Matatiele and has experience, would have been considered.”
Ndevu further criticised council for failing to consult workers on key developments, including Matiwane’s resignation and the appointment of an acting Municipal Manager.
IMATU Secretary Andile Nogaya echoed similar concerns, questioning the legality and wisdom of the decision. “The municipality has competent General Managers who could have been given an opportunity to act. By overlooking them, council risks creating instability, as internal managers may not support someone imposed from outside,” he said.
Both unions also raised alarm over the municipality’s financial position, warning that ongoing instability could eventually affect the payment of workers’ salaries. They called for the swift resolution of outstanding labour disputes currently before the bargaining council.
According to the unions, the leadership uncertainty is already impacting service delivery to residents. “This continuous instability is depriving the people of Matatiele of proper services,” they said.
Acting Municipal Manager Nokhanyo Qaba-Zembe reported for duty on Thursday. Her three-month appointment was formalised during a special council meeting of the Umzimvubu Local Municipality on Wednesday.
