GEORGE NEWS - The year is nearing its end and George Council will take a break from meetings during its recess period from 15 December to 15 January next year. This is normally a time when one would like to tie up loose ends before dangling your feet in a tidal pool.

At present the post for the municipal manager (MM) is not yet filled, following the sudden resignation of the former acting MM, Dawie Adonis, in October. 

This was confirmed by Wouter Kriel, spokesperson for Western Cape Minister of Local Government Anton Bredell, who said their office has not yet received a report from George Municipality regarding the appointment process and outcome for the vacant MM post.

George Herald enquired with George Municipality about the status quo, referring to the current recruitment processes, as well as a possible investigation into allegations of misconduct and irregular expenditure made by Adonis. 

With his resignation as acting MM, Adonis alleged that there was a deliberate attempt from the selection committee to manipulate the interview and presentation scores to yield a positive outcome for a favoured candidate.

Feedback three weeks ago suggested that Mayor Jackie von Brandis was preparing an item to Council for consideration. It was unclear at the time when this will be served in Council.

Next sitting

This week, senior communications officer Ntobeko Mangqwengqwe said Von Brandis has finalised all outstanding issues pertaining to the recruitment and selection process, and confirmed that a confidential report will be tabled before Council at its next sitting.

"Council will pronounce its views on the matter at the next council meeting and will authorise the mayor accordingly," said Mangqwengqwe. This meeting will in all likelihood take place next year, since the last council meeting scheduled for the year on 28 November, was cancelled yesterday morning. It remains the speaker's prerogative to call a special council meeting by giving 48 hours notice.

Godfrey Louw

Godfrey Louw will be acting in the position of municipal manager until 14 January 2025, when the initial three-month period expires. "Mayor Von Brandis will in the meantime consider her options available vis-a-vis the possible extension of the acting appointment of Mr Louw, having due regard to the provisions of the relevant legislation," said Mangqwengqwe.

Time frame

On a question regarding the time frame prescribed by the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) for investigations into allegations of misconduct, financial mismanagement and or irregular expenditure, Mangqwengqwe said the regulations dealing with financial misconduct by senior managers (and Section 172 of the MFMA) do not prescribe a specific time frame, but due diligence is required when the council authorises an investigation. "By the same token, the rules of natural justice will always apply," said Mangqwengqwe.

‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’