Update

KNYSNA NEWS - Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Anton Bredell has launched two further legal actions in the Western Cape High Court over the appointments of directors by the Knysna Council.

In the meantime the Municipal Manager, Ombali Sebola, was vague about the issues surrounding the legal fees of R3m spent so far by the municipality and who will pay the legal costs.

Bredell had earlier launched a legal challenge to Loliwe's appointment which is to be lodged in the Western Cape High Court soon. 

In a statement released last week by his spokesperson, Wouter Kriel, Bredell said, "Notwithstanding instituting of proceedings as to the appointment of Mr Luvuyo Loliwe as Director: Corporate Services, the MEC for Local Government has also commenced instituting proceedings in challenging the appointments of Mr Lindile Petuna as Director: Integrated Human Settlements and Ms Leslina Ndlovu as Chief Financial Officer at the Knysna Municipality."

Knysna-Plett Herald put a series of questions to the municipality and received reply from Sebola:

• KPH: Please can you elaborate on the position of Adv Luvuyo Loliwe: in a response (to KPH) last week you mentioned the matter would be discussed in council. Will the municipality oppose this matter and pay for Adv Loliwe's legal costs?

Sebola: The matter has yet to be tabled before Council.

• KPH: We understand the total legal cost so far for the alleged illegal appointments amounts to over R3m (the MM matter R1,5m) and acting CFO and acting director of corporate services R1,4m (both were ordered by the court to vacate their positions). Also, the MEC for local government has commenced instituting proceedings in challenging the appointments of Lindile Petuna as director: integrated human settlements and Leslina Ndlovu as Chief Financial Officer at Knysna municipality. Will the municipality oppose these matters?

Sebola: Please note that Council will express its views in the envisaged council meeting.

• KPH: Will the municipality pay their legal fees?

Sebola: Council will only pay its legal costs.

• Asked by KPH whether Petuna declined the director position and reverted back to his previous position as manager of HIS as a result of Bredell's legal challenge, Sebola responded:

"We are not privy to what informed his [Petuna's] decision; however, we confirm that he declined the position and reverted to his previous position."

• Asked whether the municipality had reached a settlement with former CFO Lorna Ndlovu, Sebola said:

"The municipality is still engaging with Ms Ndlovu regarding the matter and therefore cannot divulge the details."

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