The embattled Makana municipality yesterday suspended its municipal manager, Ntombi Baart, over allegations relating to her conduct in council meetings.
The embattled Makana municipality yesterday suspended its municipal manager, Ntombi Baart, over allegations relating to her conduct in council meetings.
Today, Makana municipality executive mayor Zamuxolo Peter held a press briefing to officially announce that Baart has been put on a cautionary suspension. This suspension comes after Baart was ordered to write a letter of motivation on why she should not be suspended by the municipality.
"As you might be aware the council of 3 April 2012 had taken a decision to propose or intend disciplinary action against the municipal manager. That council meeting has further instructed my office to correspond with the municpal manager and she replied on 13 April 2012. The municipal manager's response was not that of a person in a position of authority and an accounting officer," said Peter.
The mayor said the decision to suspend Baart was taken in terms of clause 7 (3) of the local government disciplinary regulations for senior managers.
Peter announced that Mandisi Planga, Makana Municipality's director of community and social services, would assume the position of acting municipal manager. Phakami Booi will be the acting director of community and social services.
But Peter warned the municipality officials and said they must work hard even if the municipal manager is not there. "We don't want an official who will take advantage of the fact that the municipal manager is not here. We are not running a spaza shop here… we get paid for our work and must make sure that the council programmes continue. We must prioritise the programmes we get paid for," said Peter.
Read the full story in the Tuesday 15 May 2012 edition of Grocott's Mail
