The SA Local Government Association and the Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs will investigate the appointment of the acting municipal manager at Sol Plaatje Municipality, Lydia Thekisho.
THE SOUTH African Local Government Association (Salga) and the Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (Coghsta) will investigate the appointment of the acting municipal manager at Sol Plaatje Municipality, Lydia Thekisho.
Thekisho, who is also the chief financial officer (CFO), was appointed during a special council meeting on Monday.
Coghsta MEC Bentley Vass previously issued an advisory, warning Northern Cape municipalities against appointing CFOs as acting municipal managers.
Vass indicated that this was to avoid a conflict of interest as acting municipal managers had to advise accounting officers on how to exercise their powers and duties assigned to them.
ACDP councillor Roddy Loff stated that the appointment was irregular.
DA councillor Heinrich Pieterse indicated that Thekisho could not serve in both positions as it posed a conflict of interest.
“Over the past couple of years, much controversy and chaos have already ensued at Sol Plaatje Municipality, which was detailed in the Section 106 investigation report, where Thekisho was implicated and suspended for two years.
“The DA voted against Thekisho’s appointment as the acting municipal manager as it is contrary to the Kings code of good governance recommendations for public institutions.”
Coghsta spokesperson Babalwa Mzambo indicated that the MEC would “certainly investigate the matter to determine any possible breach of the code of conduct by councillors”.
“The MEC has further issued a directive to all municipalities not to appoint CFOs as acting municipal managers.
“The Local Government Municipal Finance Management Act is very clear on the role and responsibilities of the municipal manager and CFO to the municipality.”
Salga provincial spokesperson Dibandlela Nkume added that after receiving a complaint from the ACDP councillor on June 1, they were engaging with the municipality.
“We wish to get abreast with the processes of the decision on the matter at hand. Where guidance is prompt, it shall be provided accordingly.”
