KNYSNA NEWS - The Knysna Municipal Council decided to re-advertise the vacancy of the municipal manager.
The position become vacant when former municipal manager, Lauren Waring resigned and left her office on November 28.
The process of filling the vacancy was in its final stage and it was expected that a decision about which of the two shortlisted and interviewed candidates to appoint would be made at a special council meeting on Thursday, December 4. The meeting was held behind closed doors, with the chief financial officer Grant Easton acting as municipal manager. However, following this the vacancy was re-advertised on December 18, to everybody's surprise.
Deputy executive mayor Esmé Edge explained on Tuesday, January 6: "Council decided to re-advertise the position in an attempt to ensure that a broader net of applicants be interviewed for this vital position."
Following the initial advertisement for the post, a total of 26 applications were received, of which one withdrew before the shortlist was considered. "After considering the remaining 25 applications, a shortlist of only five applicants had all the qualifications, experience and competencies required in terms of current legislation for municipal officials. These five applicants were invited to come for interviews in Knysna and they all indicated their willingness to accept the invitations.
"Unfortunately, however, on the day before the interview, three of the five advised that due to various reasons they were no longer available. The remaining two prospects were thus interviewed and remain in contention for the position."
ARTICLE: CHRISTO VERMAAK, KNYSNA-PLETT HERALD JOURNALIST
'We bring you the latest Knysna, Garden Route news'
