Update

KNYSNA NEWS - In an 11th hour move, Knysna Municipal Manager Ombali Phineas Sebola, this morning withdrew his appeal against the ruling of Acting High Court Judge M Pangarkar who found on May 10 that his appointment, more than a year ago, was “null and void”. 

Seeing that Sebola only withdrew his appeal just hours before the hearing, wasting everyone's time, the court ordered Sebola to pay costs on an attorney client scale, including the costs of the counsels. 

Sebola unsuccessfully appealed on May 28 for leave to appeal but in terms of the Supreme Court Act he could appeal automatically to a higher court - the full bench of the Western Cape High Court.

A statement issued by Western Cape Local Government Minister Anton Bredell said the judgment meant Sebola must vacate his position as municipal manager with immediate effect.

Victorious.... Western Cape Local Government Minister Anton Bredell 

A notice sent out on behalf of mayor Aubrey Tsengwa yesterday, Tuesday 11 June, said he had appointed Andiswa Dunywa as Acting Municipal Manager until the next council meeting, confirming his departure.

Wouter Kriel, spokesperson for Bredell, said such cases can be avoided if councils adhere to their legislative prescripts. "This will save litigation costs, which are ultimately borne by their ratepayers," Kriel said.

Read more on Thursday in the print edition of Knysna-Plett Herald and online.

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