Media statement: KwaDukuza mayor rejects DA’s posture on the appointment of a competent senior official




KwaDukuza Municipality rejects without reservation, the frivolous statement that has been issued by the Democratic Alliance (DA) in KwaDukuza on the appointment of the Executive Director for Civil Engineering. 


The press release states that the appointment of Mr. Thembela Telford Nxumalo to the post of Executive Director is a money heist and that he bares minimal competency which is a fallacy.


The fact is that Nxumalo is a young and seasoned professional who holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering coupled with over 20 years of experience as a practitioner and as a senior manager both in the private and public sector. Such credentials speaks volumes about councils level-headedness and commitment towards fulfilling its long term vision of becoming a city.


It must be placed on record that in his previous occupation, he served in an equivalent position as the Executive Director for Civil Engineering responsible for Infrastructure, Planning and Development at eMfuleni Local Municipality, a post he held since 2022.


He had previously served the same municipality as the Programme and Construction Manager and as Project Manager for the Department of Transport between 2015 and 2018.


The story of his career is evidenced by his accomplishments and the vast experience he holds both in the private and public sector. He kicked-started his career in the private sector in 2003, serving under different companies up until 2015 where he was to progress into a more senior position.


His wealth of experience is backed by a financial management qualification from the University of Pretoria, and other sector qualifications including Project Management obtained from Varsity College.


The mayor of KwaDukuza has welcomed this appointment saying that the DA must focus on the upcoming elections rather than spreading falsehood. “On behalf of council, I wish to congratulate Mr. Nxumalo in his new duties. We are indeed happy about his appointment and equally confident of his abilities. He is an accomplished professional in the faculty of civil engineering with over 20 years of experience. Nxumalo has met all the requirements for the post and indeed the appointment of the incumbent is a true testament of our commitment of fulfilling our goal of becoming a city. We understand that it is a politically silly season, it is a season where opposition parties become very desperate for media attention and behave in a way that portrays a false impression. We urge Cllr. Privi and her constituency to revisit the advert so that she can get her facts right.


The DA’s assertion that his appointment is an imminent cash heist of public funds is unfounded and tantamount to a slap in the face to the council and to the entire community of KwaDukuza. It is the responsibility of the DA to know that senior managers are appointed in terms of Section 56(1)(b) of the Municipal Systems Act as well as the Regulations on Appointment and Conditions of Employment of Senior Managers which clarifies that that candidates recommended for appointment as a section 56 manager must undergo a competence assessment. It is therefore a fallacy to suggest that all incumbent appointments are subjected hold a recognised engineering professional body. Such a requirement is an added advantage, secondly, such appointments are not based on political affiliation and therefore the DA should desist from spreading falsehood and focus on elections", said Nhaca.


Nxumalo assumed duties yesterday, 02 May 2024.

 

Ends


Photo of the new Executive Director for Civil Engineering. Mr. T. Nxumalo to be available on request.

 

Issued by the Office of the Mayor of KwaDukuza Municipality

Enquiries: Sphe Ngobese | sphelelon@kwadukuza.gov.za | 073 784 7822

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