KNYSNA NEWS - Knysna Municipal Council has appointed Enrico Prins as the new audit committee chairperson to replace the widely respected Ray Barrel who has served in that position for more than 10 years.
Prins was appointed in a special council meeting on Thursday. This comes after the matter was returned to the audit committee by Council after Prins' name was raised by ANC Councillor Claudine Croutz and Richard Thorpe was raised by DA Councillor Luzuko Tyokolo.
Acting Municipal Manager Dawie Adonis reminded Council that it was not up to them to nominate the audit committee chairperson and the matter was referred back to the audit committee. During last week's special council meeting, Adonis informed Council that Prins was the audit committee's nomination, in accordance with the requirements of the audit charter.
Speaker Mertle Gomba congratulated Prins and warned him that he had big shoes to fill.
DA Councillor Laveal Davis also joined in and wished Prins well in his new role as the chairperson of the audit committee. "I know it's a difficult and frustrating job, but we wish him well on his new role," he said.
Knyna Mayor Elrick van Aswegen said it was a proud moment to know that one of his former students has moved up the ranks to become a chairperson of the audit committee. "I would like to thank Barrel for the job he has done so well and congratulate Prins for being elected to the position," he said.
Croutz joined in, thanking Barrel for his selfless services to the municipality and congratulating Prins. "Knowing him, he will fill Barrel's shoes and run with them. I am sure we will have a good working relationship with him," she said.
ANC Councillor Mncedisi Skosana said Prins was born in Knysna and he will do well in his position. "This is transformation at its best," he said.
ACDP Councilor and audit committee head Patrick Makhetha also congratulated Prins and promised to work well with him in the committee.
• In another matter, Council also extended the contract of Adonis for a further six months.
Speaking on the item, Deputy Mayor Aubrey Tsengwa said Adonis' contract must be extended for a further six months until the case of suspended Municipal Manager Dr Sithembele Vatala is concluded. "If Vatala is coming back after his case is finalised, Adonis' contract will be terminated," he said.
Council agreed unanimously to extend Adonis' contract.
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