Legal action is being considered after the Matjhabeng Municipality appointed Adv. Lonwabo Ngoqo as municipal manager.
In 2012, Ngoqo was found guilty of financial misconduct and dismissed as municipal manager of the Bitou Municipality in Plettenberg Bay.
The DA, FF Plus, ActionSA, Isanco and the municipal workers’ union Samwu are dissatisfied with Ngoqo’s appointment.
Samwu says in a media statement that they were present when the shortlist was announced, but were not invited to the interviews with candidates.
Tiisetso Mahlatsi, Free State spokesperson for Samwu, says this is contrary to the municipality’s regulations.
Mahlatsi says Samwu has requested a report on the applicable regulations, as well as the minutes of the council meeting and the council decision, from the municipality.
He says that if there is no response within five working days, he will approach the court.
ActionSA says in a media statement that it is vehemently opposed to the appointment of Ngoqo and it will submit a formal complaint to Mxolisi Dukwana, Free State MEC for Cooperative Government and Traditional Affairs.
ActionSA also says Ngoqo applied for the same position at the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro, but concealed his dismissal from Bitou.
Manie Pretorius, council member of the Freedom Front Plus, says the party is concerned about the allegations against Ngoqo, and they will hold Ngoqo accountable to improve the municipality’s service delivery.
Piet Botha, DA council member, says the party is deliberating possible steps.
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