High Court stops appointment manager in IFP-run municipality over CV

The Pietermaritzburg High Court has interdicted the appointment of eNdumeni Local Municipality’s municipal manager, Nhlakanipho Mvelase, who is accused of misrepresenting his qualifications on his CV.

The ANC and Abantu Batho Congress (ABC) approached the court on an urgent basis to prevent the IFP-led municipality from confirming Mvelase, and the court ruled in their favour on Thursday.

ABC councillor Mbulelo Phakathi alleged that Mvelase had embellished his work experience when applying for the top post at the troubled municipality, based in the small coal town of Dundee.

In his affidavit, Phakathi argued that Mvelase lacked the five years’ managerial experience in local government which was a requirement for the position.

He claimed Mvelase falsely stated that he was appointed Chief Financial Officer of Msinga Local Municipality in June 2021.

"The information we have shows he only assumed that role in October 2022," Phakathi said.

He further alleged that Mvelase submitted the wrong application form, which should have disqualified him outright.

ANC councillor Siphamandla Kheswa said he was happy with the ruling.

"If I had wings, I would fly. This must serve as a lesson to governing parties. Having the majority in council doesn’t mean you can do as you please," said Kheswa.

The chair of the IFP caucus in the council, Xolani Msezane, said even though they respect the court's ruling, they still maintain that they followed due process when appointing Mvelase.

Msezane accused the ANC and ABC of politicising the issue.

Msezane said they interviewed shortlisted candidates, and Mvelase had the highest score.

"The ANC and ABC councillors were present in the meeting where the decision was taken to appoint Mvelase as the municipal manager. It's strange that now they are taking the council to court. They just want attention," said Msezane.

For now, the municipality will continue under acting municipal manager Advocate Nontobeko Khambule, who had already been instructed to step aside for Mvelase.

Khambule has been acting in the position since the resignation of Siyabonga Ntombela, who recently joined the KwaZulu-Natal premier’s office.

SUNDAY TRIBUNE