Durban - eThekwini Municipality mayor Mxolisi Kaunda and his deputy, Philani Mavundla, yesterday described the appointment of a new city manager as a matter of urgency, adding that KwaZulu-Natal’s only metro would have filled the position in two weeks’ time.
The senior officials held two separate media briefings yesterday on the issue.
Mavundla called a briefing to address allegations made in a “tip-off” email addressed to the mayor concerning alleged misconduct by him (Mavundla) in the short-listing of candidates for the top job. Kaunda’s briefing was to provide feedback on the progress that has been made in the recruitment process.
Kaunda confirmed that the process to appoint a city manager was nearing completion following the conclusion of interviews more than a week ago and the scheduling of competency assessments for the candidates.
The position of city manager has been vacant since the municipality parted ways with the previous city boss, Sipho Nzuza, last year, after his arrest in connection with the multimillion-rand DSW tender.
“We want to reiterate that the filling of the city manager position is urgent and as the leadership of the city, we have prioritised it. We want to commend the panel that was approved by the council for moving with speed to finalise the process. This panel, which is tasked with the selection process, comprises the deputy mayor (as the mayor’s delegate), three executive committee members and an external expert,” Kaunda said.
Kaunda said 158 applications were received and of those 17 were shortlisted.
“A screening process was conducted for all 17 shortlisted candidates as required. In addition to an interview, candidates also had to do presentations based on a case study.
“The next step is to finalise competency assessments.
“Once the panel has concluded all the steps in the process a report will be presented to exco (executive committee) and to the council next week,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mavundla has rubbished allegations made in an anonymous email sent to the mayor on Monday, August 8. The email alleged that the deputy mayor’s wife was given a new vehicle to influence the short-listing process.
Mavundla rejected the allegations.
“I don’t even want to give priority to allegations of gifts bought for my wife in terms of a so-called ‘brand-new car’ – this is news to me and the family. What I can say is that PG Mavundla’s business profile does not stoop so low that I can be desperate for someone to buy my wife a car. This is nonsensical and playing hard to the gallery of the media to peddle lies (about) my family and my name.”
Mavundla said those who were against the progress being made to run the city in an ethical, effective and just manner were playing “dirty tricks” to ensure that corruption and maladministration continues in the city.
He said such dirty tricks would not deter him from doing his work in an ethical and above-board manner.
He added that the panel, involved in the city manager recruitment process, included not only himself, but was a balanced panel with an independent expert.
He said the city manager position would be filled by the end of this month.
“When we are ready to report back to the council, we will do so without fear, favour or prejudice. We are not going to discuss merits and demerits of this process here. Whoever is aggrieved will do what they are supposed to do as per the provisions of the law. At this point in time, we are progressing well and nothing will deter us.”
Responding to the allegations against Mavundla, Kaunda said an investigation into the allegations made would be instituted once the report was presented to exco and to the council next week.
“Once we know what transpired only then can we take it up and investigate.”
DA eThekwini caucus leader, and panellist in the recruitment process, Thabani Mthethwa said he was confident that the panel in charge of the recruitment process was inclusive and capable.
“As a panel we are individuals so I cannot speak for others; what I can say is that from the beginning we wanted to ensure that we have an inclusive panel and I believe we were able to achieve that.