KNYSNA NEWS - Yet another job appointment in Knysna Municipality has caught the public eye and raised a few eyebrows, in particular those of the opposition party in the council.

This time it is the appointment of Bruce Kannemeyer as the Acting Director of Corporate Services. Kannemeyer's appointment follows on the heels of last week's removal of Adv Luvuyo Loliwe, the former acting incumbent at Knysna Municipality, by the Western Cape High Court. 

The appointments of Loliwe and then acting CFO Londiwe Sotshede by the municipality, were declared illegal by Judge Haley Slingers and she ordered them to be removed from their positions.

Jason White, DA Knysna Caucus Chairperson said in a media statement the DA strongly condemned the appointment of Kannemeyer, whom he said was a convicted offender involved in the notorious Travelgate scandal. 

"This decision [to appoint Kannemeyer], made by the ANC/PA/PBI/EFF coalition... raises serious concerns about the integrity and transparency of the coalition's governance," said White.

He claimed the appointment came without any proper scrutiny of Kannemeyer's qualifications, relevant experience, or even a comprehensive CV.

"This lack of due diligence is alarming, as it not only undermines the principles of fair and accountable governance, but also raises questions about the competency of those responsible for his appointment," said White.

In 2006 Kannemeyer, along with 13 other ANC MPs, was implicated in the Travelgate scandal and faced criminal charges.

He was found guilty of theft and fraud in connection with the misappropriation of funds from Parliament.

The charges related to his involvement in the sale of travel vouchers. "It is deeply concerning that the ANC/PA/PBI/EFF coalition... has chosen to ignore this fact and appoint someone with a criminal record to such a senior position."

More recently, Kannemeyer previously served as the municipal manager of the Ngwathe Local Municipality, where according to White "he failed to deliver essential services, particularly the provision of clean water to the residents".

"The DA has already laid criminal charges against him in this regard, further emphasising the unsuitability of his appointment," said White. 

He stated that the party proposed that the Western Cape MEC for Local Government, Anton Bredell, be requested to second a suitable candidate to the municipality to act in this position until a permanent appointment is made.

"The DA will be closely monitoring the actions of Bruce Kannemeyer in this role and scrutinise his decisions, his adherence to legal and ethical standards, and his commitment to the effective delivery of services to the community. Should any evidence of misconduct or mismanagement emerge, the DA will not hesitate to take appropriate action and hold him accountable," said White.

Despite being questioned on whether or not Travelgate was taken into consideration with Kannemeyer's appointment, Knysna Municipal Manager, Ombali Sebola simply confirmed Kannemeyer's appointment.

"Council, at its special meeting of Thursday 15 June appointed Ms Avitha Jagaysor as acting CFO and Mr Bruce Kannemeyer as acting Director Corporate Services, until the full-time positions have been filled. Ms Jagaysor is also the municipality's Senior Manager for Financial Management Services and has a full understanding of the department."

Knysna Municipality's main administration building. Photo: Blake Linder

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