KNYSNA NEWS - The DA will be launching a court application against the appointment of Phineus Ombali 'Oupa' Sebola, the former Municipal Manager of Modimolle-Mookgophong, as Knysna Municipal Manager.
Sebola was appointed yesterday, 25 January during a so-called ‘in committee’ controversial Special Council meeting which went ahead without a public agenda being circulated.
Dion George, Knysna Constituency head of the DA told Knysna-Plett Herald the meeting was “illegal” as there was no agenda. "We’re going to court."
As the proceedings were held in committee, no details about the discussions or debates can be divulged.
Sharon Sabbagh, Ward 9 councillor, said in a statement that the ANC-led coalition revealed "its full colours" in the meeting. "It matters not about due process, the rule of law, good governance, openness and transparency, oversight or performing one's duties as a councillor… their response was 'Take us to court. We don't care'. That’s how arrogant they are," said Sabbagh.
"The item was incomplete, and without the annexures to which were referred to as ‘attached’ with critical information withheld. I can only conclude, that this was intentional and deliberate on their part. And when they were warned, that by approving the item, we would hold them personally liable, they voted in favour, with the Speaker exercising a casting vote due to one Councillor - being of sound mind – abstaining from the vote," said Sabbagh.
She has called for the creation of a public fund, appealing "to all" in Knysna to contribute R200, to fight the matter in court. She said a legal expert put the cost of such an action at about R500 000. The special council meeting, which lasted seven hours, went ahead and the ANC-led alliance voted to discuss the one item in committee. It then voted for the appointment of Sebola as MM.
It is odd to elect an MM ‘in committee’ as the elected person’s identity would need to be divulged at some point. Dion George confirmed that there was no reason for the meeting to be in committee.
“Sebola is very bad news." said George.
According to an SABC news item on 24 November 2020, Sebola features in a 2020 Treasury report that recommended the prosecution "of some officials" who presided over awarding of tenders, allegedly involving more than R80-million. The report referred to alleged contraventions of the Municipal Finance Management Act.
Knysna Municipality was approached for comment on the matter, and an update will be published once comment is received.
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