Durban - After a protracted process that was hampered by protests over claims of political interference, eThekwini Municipality has finally succeeded in appointing the new City Manager.
Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda announced Musa Mbhele as the new City Manager on Friday after acting in the position for over a year. Mbhele takes over from the former city manager, Sipho Nzuza, whose term ended abruptly after he was charged with fraud and corruption.
Nzuza is still attending to the court case which involved over R300 million in tenders in relation to solid waste. He was charged along with former Mayor Zandile Gumede, councillors and business people who allegedly colluded with officials to loot the city coffers.
Announcing Mbhele, Kaunda said the city followed a lengthy and vigorous process. He said the city received over 100 applications but Mbhele emerged as the most qualified.
Before acting in the city manager position, Mbhele was Chief Operating Officer for the same municipality. Kaunda said during the selection process, the panel considered candidates who ranked top five in the recruitment process with a percentage score of 70%.
“It gives me pleasure to announce that the recommended candidate number 1 was Mr Thompson Mbhele with a final assessment score of 92%. According to the panel, Mr Mbhele demonstrated a high level of experience and knowledge of strategic leadership in the municipal environment.
“Mr Mbhele has a Social Science Degree, Master’s Degree in Town and Regional Planning, Project Management Diploma and BTech Degree in Business Management. He has vast experience in local government and has been the Municipal Manager at Umzumbe Municipality and is currently Chief Operating Officer and Acting City Manager for eThekwini Municipality since July last year. The fact that he has been with the municipality for some time augurs well for us because he comprehends our challenges, and he is going to hit the ground running,” said Kaunda.
The city had previously attempted to appoint Max Mbili as the new city manager. However, the process was halted after the Democratic Alliance alleged that the ANC had interfered with the process. This forced the city to restart the process and changed the selection panel to represent all parties.
Kaunda said that as political head, Mbhele would be expected to execute the mayoral 10-point plan.
SUNDAY TRIBUNE