EThekwini Municipality will appoint a new City Manager soon. The announcement was made by eThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda during a media briefing today, 16 August at the Durban City Hall.
He said the processes to appoint a City Manager were almost complete as interviews have been completed and candidates are scheduled to undergo competency tests this week.
The update comes as the high-level and strategic position has been vacant for almost a year.
"We can confirm that the process to appoint a City Manager is nearing completion. This follows the conclusion of interviews more than a week ago and the scheduling of competency assessments for the candidates this week," said Mayor Kaunda.
Mayor Kaunda reiterated the need to urgently fill the City Manager vacancy. He said the City leadership has made it a matter of priority.
“A total of 158 applications were received and of those, 17 candidates were shortlisted. A screening process was conducted for all 17 shortlisted candidates as required. In addition to an interview, candidates also had to do presentations based on a case study. The next step is to finalise competency assessments," he explained.
Mayor Kaunda commended the panel that was approved by Council for moving with speed to finalise the process.
"This panel, which is tasked with the selection process, comprises of the Deputy Mayor, three Executive Committee (Exco) Members, and an external expert. Once the panel has concluded all the steps in the process, a report will be presented to Exco and Council next week," he said.
Mayor Kaunda added that the assessments are being conducted by the Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Department.
"We want to assure eThekwini residents that we are conducting this process with the urgency and the thoroughness it deserves," he said.
Mayor Kaunda also provided updates on other issues in the City. Following reports of fish found dead in the Isiphingo Lagoon, Mayor Kaunda said the City conducted an investigation to ascertain the root cause of the pollution. Investigations revealed that there were two sewer pump stations that were affected in the area contributing to the sewer spillage.
"We are pleased to report that these two pumps have been repaired and installed. Our pollution control team has been able to remove most of the dead fish and the clean-up operation is in progress. The team will continue to monitor the water quality through sampling and field surveys. We want to apologise to the public for any inconvenience caused because of this incident," Mayor Kaunda concluded.
ENDS
Issued by the eThekwini Municipality’s Communications Unit.
For more information, kindly contact Mayoral Spokesperson Mluleki Mntungwa on 060 974 1140.
