MM apologises for saying !@#$ you to a councillor

Update

KNYSNA NEWS - Knysna municipal manager Ombali Sebola, under fire for making "F… you" remarks to a councillor during a Special Council meeting on 3 May, has repeated his "public" apology.

In a statement to the KPH Sebola said: "As the Municipal Manager, I wish to extend my sincerest apologies for my behaviour during the Special Council Meeting.

"My actions were unexpected and regrettable, causing shock to all present, including myself. The incident occurred while I was presenting a report on the correspondence received from MEC Bredell, which are pivotal to the future of our institution, the efficient delivery of municipal services, and the well-being of the greater Knysna community.

"I recognise that my behaviour, contrary to my usual demeanour of calmness even in challenging circumstances, was unacceptable. I allowed my frustration to cloud my judgment, and for this I take full responsibility.

"Although explanations may offer context, they do not excuse of justify my conduct. I maintain positive relationships with all councillors, regardless of political affiliation, and I publicly apologised to Councillor Jason White during the council meeting," said Sebola.

DA councillor White said he has not accepted Sebola's apology.

"I don't think it was enough. My comment did not warrant the response from the municipal manager, including the 'fuck you' comments," said White.

"I find it incredibly demeaning for the accounting officer to have referred to me, an elected public representative, as a 'small boy'. Intentionally and wilfully impairing my dignity. It was humiliating and degrading. I will be submitting a complaint against the MM in terms of the Disciplinary Regulations, as well as a criminal charge of crimen injuria.

"It is highly irregular for the MM to participate in council debates. He should advise council. He, however, gave a personal and very emotive view on the intended section intervention."

DA Councillor Jason White

Sebola said in his statement he was "unaware of any charges levelled against me, nor have there been indications of any bad blood between myself and the councillor after our telephonic conversation after the meeting".

"Again, I offer my sincere apologies to Councillor White and the entire Knysna community for my lapse in judgment. It is my commitment to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and conduct in my role as the municipal manager," said Sebola.

White said the telephone call lasted "slightly over a minute" and that it was collegiate. "I will still have to work with Mr Sebola while he occupies the office of municipal manager, despite our altercation", added White.

Former Knysna mayor Georlene Wolmarans said on a social media post after the swearing incident, that she had never seen such a thing in her 18 years involvement with local government.