Breaking News Update
KNYSNA NEWS - A decision taken more than a year ago on 25 January 2023 to appoint Phineas Ombali Sebola as Municipal Manager (MM) of Knysna has been set aside by the Western Cape High Court.
In a judgment delivered today, Friday 10 May, Judge M Pangarkar declared Sebola’s appointment as Municipal Manager “null and void”, effective immediately.
Two applications, one by the DA and the other by Western Cape Local Government MEC Anton Bredell, were brought last year in the Western Cape High Court to declare Sebola’s appointment unlawful.
The Knysna Council has been directed by Pangarkar to readvertise the vacant MM position and start afresh the process of appointing a new MM.
The court’s decision comes in the week that Sebola apologised for telling DA councillor Jason White, in a special council meeting, “F… you.”
The fact that his appointment is declared null and void does not affect the validity of the decisions he took while in the position (as MM), said Pangarkar.
Pangarkar opdered that the Knysna Municipality and the Municipal Manager of Knysna pay the costs of the DA and the MEC.
DA Ward 9 councillor Sharon Sabbagh, the prime mover behind the legal action to remove Sebola, said today she was “elated” by the judgment.
“It vindicates all our efforts and initial stance that Sebola was unsuitable for the position.
“It again supports my claim that the ‘coalition of corruption councillors’ (ANC EFF, PBI and PA) have yet again failed our town by making an unlawful appointment.”
Previous articles:
- MM apologises for saying !@#$ you to a councillor
- 'F@#$ you' shock in Knysna Council
- High Court expected to hear Sebola case in May
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