KNYSNA NEWS - The Knysna council has extended Dr Michele Gratz's tenure as acting municipal manager for a further three months.

Gratz was appointed in the position on 13 February this year after the suspension of municipal manager Dr Sithembele Vatala, whose disciplinary hearing was scheduled to commence on 12 May.

Presenting the item during a special council meeting on Thursday, acting mayor Aubrey Tsengwa said Vatala will continue to be on suspension until his hearing has been concluded. "We anticipate that the current restrictions on travel as a result of Covid-19 may prolong the process and we do not at this stage anticipate that the hearing will be finalised in the next three months. Section 54A(2A)(b) of the Municipal Systems Act, 2000 states, regarding the three-month acting period, that a municipal council may, in special circumstances and on good cause shown, apply in writing to the MEC for local government to extend the period of appointment contemplated in paragraph (a), for a further period that does not exceed three months," he said.

"Funding to cover the expense is available as per the medium term revenue and expenditure framework (MTREF)," he said.

Gratz's extension in the position commences on 19 May or until such time as Vatala's disciplinary hearing is concluded, whichever comes first, the deputy mayor said.

DA caucus whip Levael Davis said the DA nominated Gratz for the position of acting municipal manager and they will continue to support her. "We are delighted that council resolved to extend her contract," he said.

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