KNYSNA NEWS - The appointment of Knysna Municipality’s new Acting Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Busisiwe Lubelwana, has drawn criticism from some residents, opposition councillors and community groups, with concerns focusing on allegations linked to her previous employment and the process followed by Council.

The municipality, however, maintains that the appointment was made in accordance with the applicable legislative framework and that no verified findings of misconduct, disciplinary sanctions or criminal convictions existed that would have disqualified Lubelwana from serving in the acting position.

Lubelwana was appointed acting CFO for a three-month period with effect from 13 July following the retirement of former CFO Clifford Julies.

Concerns over previous employment

During her term as CFO at the Buffalo City Metropolitan Development Agency (BCMDA), the agency became the subject of public reports concerning a controversial R25m contract awarded to an external service provider. 

According to reports published by Corruption Watch, there were allegations relating to irregular procurement processes and governance failures in connection with the contract. 

Lubelwana resigned from the agency in November 2024. Those allegations have not resulted in any publicly available findings of misconduct against Lubelwana.

Media reports further alleged that, after taking up a position as CFO at Emalahleni Local Municipality, Lubelwana was placed on special leave while allegations relating to unauthorised changes to municipal investment accounts were investigated. 

Those allegations have likewise not resulted in any publicly verified findings of misconduct against her.

Mayor defends appointment

Knysna Mayor Thando Matika said the municipality had considered Lubelwana’s qualifications, municipal finance experience and leadership skills before approving the acting appointment. 

“It is crucial to ensure continuity in the municipality’s financial administration while the process to appoint a permanent CFO is undertaken,” he said.

Matika described Lubelwana as an experienced finance executive with an extensive track record in local government financial management and said council was satisfied she possessed the necessary qualifications, experience and understanding of the municipal legislative environment to fulfil the role.

He said because the acting appointment is for a three-month period, legislation does not require concurrence from the Western Cape Minister of Local Government before it takes effect.

Addressing the public’s concerns, Matika said the municipality remained guided by the principles of due process, fairness and the rule of law. “We are aware that allegations have appeared in the public domain. However, allegations do not constitute findings of misconduct or guilt,” he said.

“At the time of the appointment, the municipality was not aware of any findings of misconduct, disciplinary sanctions or criminal convictions that would have disqualified Ms Lubelwana from serving in an acting capacity. Should any verified information emerge that is relevant to her appointment, the municipality will deal with such matters in accordance with the applicable legislative and regulatory framework.”

Opposition raises concerns

The appointment has also been criticised by opposition councillors. DA Councillor Sharon Sabbagh argued that Council approved Lubelwana’s appointment despite her contention that Lubelwana does not meet the prescribed qualification requirements for the acting position. 

She also alleged that Council had ignored previous concerns raised by the Western Cape Department of Local Government regarding the appointment of an acting CFO.

According to Sabbagh, Council had previously rescinded the appointment of former acting CFO Rosslyn Saptoe after provincial authorities declined to grant concurrence. She said Lubelwana’s appointment was approved by an 11-10 majority vote. 

She has referred the matter to the provincial department, believing it could ultimately be challenged through legal processes.

Knysna Municipality disputes these claims and maintains that Council was satisfied Lubelwana met the requirements for the acting appointment and that the appointment complies with the applicable legislative framework.

Public debate

The appointment has also prompted widespread discussion on local community social media platforms, where residents expressed differing views. Some questioned the appointment process and called for greater scrutiny of senior municipal appointments, while others argued that untested allegations should not prevent an individual from serving in public office where no findings of wrongdoing have been made.

Lubelwana is expected to serve as acting CFO until a permanent appointment is made or her three-month acting term expires.

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