KNYSNA NEWS - Bandile Mlindazwe, the owner of Mlindazwe Investments, dragged Knysna Independent Movement (Kim) Councillor Susan Campbell into the fray in his response to questions from KPH.

Knysna-Plett Herald asked Mlindazwe to comment on the service his company provided to the municipality, that had been motivated by Loliwe, according to documents sent to KPH by a whistleblower. 

He accused Campbell and the DA of wanting to get rid of Acting Director: Corporate Services Adv Luvuyo Loliwe, and appoint Marlene Boyce, Acting Director: Planning and Economic Development, into the corporate services position.

Mlindazwe's response verbatim

Mlindazwe responded, "Susan Campbell is for Kim working and using DA to achieve their agenda to get the Corporate Director position for [Marlene Boyce] who is currently acting director at planning, so the people I know in that municipality according to you and them are my friends - a big no!

"I am clear that there is an political agenda to shame our people, black people in business and in administration since the DA and Kim are in opposition bench. All my company agreements with any of my clients are not for political motives. Media should not be used for discrediting black people!"

Councillor Susan Campbell

Campbell's retort

In response Campbell said, "I only know Mr Mlindazwe as a member of the EFF, and not as a businessman. Weeks before Mr Loliwe was appointed as Acting Director: Corporate Services, Mr Mlindazwe told me that his friend, Luvuyo Loliwe, who was the manager for legal services in Bitou, was going to be appointed as Knysna's Acting Director: Corporate Services.

"This was the first I had heard of it and expressed my concern that Mr Loliwe was not qualified for the job as he did not have five years' experience as a senior manager. Mr Mlindazwe argued that they held the majority in the council and that a young black person should be given the opportunity.

"Mr Loliwe had an extremely well-paid job in Bitou at the time and hardly needed opportunities in Knysna. The day of Mr Loliwe's illegal appointment, Mr Mlindazwe was present during the council meeting. I again expressed my concerns to him and others about the illegal appointment.

Kim did nominate Ms Boyce, who is not only qualified for the job, but is a Knysna resident, a woman of colour and is known for her integrity and excellent performance, for the corporate services position."