By Libuseng Nyaka
QWAQWA – Maluti-a-Phofung local municipality executive mayor Masetjhaba Lakaje-Mosia has introduced Monyane Sefantsi as the new acting municipal manager who will serve until the post of municipal manager has been filled.
Mosia made the introduction during a special council sitting on Monday May 6, 2024, following the redeployment of former acting municipal manager Amos Goliath.
Monyane has been seconded by Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Ketso Makume following the municipality’s failure to appoint a municipal manager from listed candidates that have been interviewed despite having the vacancy having been re-advertised three times.
His appointment was met with mixed reactions by councillors from different political parties.
In support of the appointment of Sefantsi, Litabe Nhlapo said the acting MM must start his work with immediate effect.
While not opposing the appointment, MAP16 Civic Movement leader and former executive mayor Gilbert Mokotso requested to see the qualifications of the acting MM.
“We must follow procedures; we want to see if he meets the requirements for the job. We want to see his qualifications.”
Echoing Mokotso sentiments, former Speaker Paratlene Motloung reminded the council that the authority to appoint a municipal manager rests with them.
“Even though the acting MM has been seconded by the MEC, we are still responsible to see if he meets all the requirements, not only qualifications. We must have his detailed CV to enable us to make an informed decision or make changes should such a need arise.”
Chipping, in DA councilor Alison Oates requested the speaker to give a brief summary of the qualifications of the acting MM.
“Speaker, I am sure you can give us an idea now about this person’s qualifications; you can set our minds free whether we should be happy or sad.”
For his part, council whip Moeketsi Lebesa said his qualifications will enable the municipality to decide on his remuneration.
“Salary is based on the competence, we must know whether we put him at minimum, medium or maximum when the contract and package are signed.”
Lakaje-Mosia’s request for the council to approve the re-advertisement of the municipal manager‘s post for the fourth time was met with criticism from opposition parties who labelled the exercise a fruitless expenditure.
Lebesa advised that before the council can resolve to advertise the post it must give reasons why the process of appointing a municipal manager was stopped; this will avoid possible litigation from the candidates who have already applied and been interviewed.
Shaking hands Maluti-a-Phofung local municipality executive mayor Masetjhaba Lakaje-Mosia with new acting MM Monyane Sefantsi.
“We must explain that we are collapsing process of appointing municipal manager because we are outside the legislated timeframe of 90 days. Then after that we can talk of a resolution to advertise the position . We cannot talk about re-advertisement without explaining why we have not appointed a municipal manager from listed candidates.
“We will be taken to court by those candidates who have applied. We have not learned when Ntate Tshabalala took us to court to explain why he was not appointed, and the court ruled in his favour and ordered us to give him reasons why the process of appointing a municipal manager was stopped. This advert can be interdicted by the candidates.”
