KNYSNA NEWS - The DA in Knysna has launched an urgent application in the Western Cape High Court to review and set aside the appointment of Municipal Manager Ombali Sebola.
Sebola was appointed the new municipal manager at a council meeting on 25 January. Dr Dion George, the DA’s constituency head in Knysna, said in a statement today, Thursday 9 March, that certain processes had to be followed before the court action, threatened when Sebola first took office, could be brought to court.
The DA was doing so now, “at the earliest available opportunity”.
"From the outset, the DA has opposed Sebola’s appointment given his abysmal track record as municipal manager in Modimolle-Mookgophong, where a forensics audit recommended criminal charges after he irregularly approved tenders, mismanaged public finances and bankrupted the municipality," said George.
George added that the ANC/Patriotic Alliance/EFF/PBI coalition appointed Sebola following an 'irregular process' where he was not the highest ranked candidate, not qualified, and his "employment history evidently not checked".
Both Kim and the DA voted in council against Sebola's appointment. George said the DA will argue in court that when Sebola’s appointment is set aside, any appointments made by Sebola, and any contracts he signed, will be invalid.
"All applicants who apply for employment at the Knysna Council should be aware that their appointment is tenuous and subject to being invalidated,” said George.
Knysna Executive Mayor Aubrey Tsengwa said: “We are aware of the DA’s intention. “However, we cannot comment on the matter until we get official communication and/or get legal advice.”
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