Update
PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Bitou Municipal Manager Mbulelo Memani has, for the second time in just over 18 months, been suspended by the council - this time by the DA-led coalition.
He was suspended by the ANC-led coalition in February 2024 soon after it took control of the council.
Memani was placed on “precautionary suspension” by the Bitou council during an in-committee sitting on Tuesday 12 August.
The council also decided that Memani should undergo a disciplinary process.
No comment
Memani, who is on study leave, said he had just finished exams and was not aware of the decision. He said he had “no comment”.
He was given a letter on 30 July requesting written reasons within seven days as to why he should not be placed on precautionary suspension. After considering his response, the council resolved to proceed with the disciplinary process.
Bitou Mayor Jessica Kamkam said the process was in “strict accordance” with the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act and the Disciplinary Regulations for Senior Managers.
Temporary measure
She said precautionary suspension is a temporary measure that removes employees from their duties while an investigation or disciplinary process is carried out.
“It is not a finding of guilt. The purpose is to protect the integrity of the process,” said Kamkam.
She said Memani remains on full pay until the disciplinary process is concluded or the suspension is lifted.
Kamkam noted that the charges against Memani remain confidential and said that council remains committed “to acting lawfully, transparently, and in the best interests of the institution and the residents of Bitou”.
Hypocritical
ANC Chief Whip Sandiso Gcabayi said the fact that Memani had been suspended by both the ANC-led coalition and the DA-led coalition, indicated the “problem” lay with Memani – in his management style that failed to respect the residents of Bitou and the council, bringing the into municipality in disrepute.
He said when the ANC coalition had suspended Memani, the DA-led coalition said it was on political grounds.
“Now they are doing the same thing – it’s hypocritical,” said Gcabayi.
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