Acting MM Ngubo’s application dismissed with costs in legal tussle with MEC

KNYSNA NEWS - The counter legal application battle between Knysna Municipality and MEC Anton Bredell, Western Cape Provincial Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, has resulted in a high court ruling in Bredell's favour, with Acting Municipal Manager Boy Ngubo's application struck from the roll with costs.

Although Ngubo's tenure extension had been deemed unlawful, he is still acting in the position.

Bredell's spokesperson, Wouter Kriel, said Bredell had repeatedly raised concerns with Knysna Municipal Council regarding disciplinary proceedings contemplated against Ngubo during his previous tenure at Bitou Municipality, as well as a Hawks investigation involving him.

According to Kriel, Bredell asked Council to consider the substance of the serious allegations and findings before seeking an extension of Ngubo's acting appointment.

"The integrity of an appointee to a position of municipal manager, or even a temporary acting municipal manager, should be beyond reproach," Kriel said.

He said an investigation report by Bradley Conradie Halton Cheadle Attorneys and an internal Bitou Municipality memorandum contained serious findings and/or allegations concerning Ngubo.

Relief sought

Kriel said Bredell's counter-application seeks an order that declares Ngubo's employment contract with Knysna Municipality on 7 August 2026 void or unlawful, and invalid from 28 August.

It further seeks to have decisions that Ngubo had taken in his capacity as acting municipal manager from that date, be declared unlawful and invalid, and to interdict him from making further decisions in that capacity.

Kriel said the legal basis for the relief was extensive and that the court file should be consulted for the full grounds.

Asked whether Ngubo could lawfully continue acting while the matter is before court, Kriel said: "No comment". He added that the municipality should appoint another competent person who meets the prescribed minimum requirements.

Political and financial impact

Kriel said the municipality had not challenged Bredell's decision in the current matter, as the proceedings were instituted by Ngubo.

He confirmed that Bredell had sought costs after Ngubo's application was struck from the roll.

Kriel said the dispute had caused "political and administrative instability" and adverse financial implications for the municipality, ultimately affecting Knysna residents.

At the time of going to press, no official comment had been received from Knysna Municipality.

Boy Ngubo. Photo: Knysna Municipality