The local government elections have come and gone, and we are no closer to knowing who actually runs Buffalo City on a day-to-day basis. In terms of the Municipal Systems Act (as amended and gazetted on 5 July 2011), no person may be appointed as an acting municipal manager or act in a position reporting directly to the municipal manager for a period of longer than 3 months. The Buffalo City Council, against the advice of the Democratic Alliance, re-appointed Andile Fani (who has, admittedly, been the best man for the job in recent times!) for a period of up to 6 months at the end of July!
As far as we have been able to determine, no adverts have been placed calling for applicants for either the municipal manager’s position, or for those of his direct reports. This is also contrary the Municipal Systems Act, which requires that these posts be advertised nationally.
Various audits and forensic investigations have raised serious question marks over the heads of a number of the incumbents, and also over the role certain former councillors and members of the mayoral committee played in the administration. If proven,the fallout (both political and legal) could be enormous. At this time, we await the presentation of the final recommendations of the Ernst & Young forensic investigation into alleged tender irregularities during the term of Dr. Zitha as acting municipal manager.
The DA has been asking since June for a detailed organizational chart of the top management of the municipality. We are advised that we cannot be provided with this because of the “fluidity” of the positions and the lack of permanent appointments. What is particularly concerning, however, is the fact that even the structure of the organization seems to be in a state of flux. One would have anticipated that, as part of its preparation for its new status as a metropolitan municipality, BCM would have a comprehensive plan for staffing and structuring itself. This does not appear to be the case…
The Democratic Alliance has submitted written questions to the Speaker on this issue, for response at the next council meeting. Until then, your guess is as good as mine…
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