Africa-Press – South-Africa. A KwaZulu-Natal municipality is forging ahead with plans to place an acting municipal manager on a permanent contract, despite controversy surrounding her academic qualifications.
This week, News24 reported Umdoni Local Municipality’s acting manager, Thabisile Ndlela, produced proof she had completed a B-Tech degree from the Durban University of Technology (DUT) in 2009.
However, there were questions around her undergraduate qualifications and its timeline.
She claimed to have completed a special operations programme certificate, also at DUT, in 2013/2014.
On Tuesday, the municipality convened a media briefing to address the News24 report.
Mayor Sibongile Khathi said they were satisfied Ndlela was qualified for the position and her qualifications were in order.
She added Ndlela had furnished the local municipality with proof of all her qualifications prior to her appointment in 2021.
“The appointment of senior municipal officials is guided by the Municipal Systems Act. We complied with this legislation prior to appointing Mrs Ndlela,” Khathi said.
“Her appointment was approved by council and the municipality then received concurrence from the office of the KZN MEC for cooperative governance and traditional affairs.”
She added it was not the first time Ndlela had been appointed by the municipality, having served in other roles before.
Khathi said the municipality had contacted the DUT for confirmation of Ndlela’s qualifications and they were furnished with evidence.
Despite complaints that there was poor service delivery during Ndlela’s tenure, she said they were satisfied with her performance.
“As soon as her three month’s short-term contract comes to an end, Mrs Ndlela will be appointed permanently to the role of municipal manager for a five-year term. We have already given her an offer of employment and she has accepted,” Khathi added.
A probe could still take place
When asked for comment, Ndlela previously did not respond, but Khathi at the time said the allegations against the municipal manager could be investigated.
“In an effort to ensure the practice of good governance for the benefit of the institution, these allegations will be brought to the attention of the executive committee and council. Council will then take a decision on this matter whether an investigation is warranted.”
She stated Ndlela would continue to “fulfil the duties of this position under the new employment contract while necessary action is being implemented to resolve the matter”.
At the same time, the KZN Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs said Ndlela met all the minimum requirements for the position.
In a statement, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Bongi Sithole-Moloi said the competency levels for municipal managers were:
“According to the information provided to the department, Ms Ndlela holds a B Commerce degree [Honours], a BTech degree, and seven years of experience in senior management positions in local government.
“She meets the academic and experience requirements for the position of municipal manager,” Sithole-Moloi said.
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