Frank Maponya

Former Vhembe district municipal manager, Joseph Silinda, yesterday vowed that he will not take his dismissal lying down.

Silinda, who was dismissed by the municipality council more than a month ago after only serving three months in his new position, has taken the matter to the Thohoyandou high court. He is demanding his reinstatement.

The council said they fired him because he was appointed without their knowledge. His appointment was only sanctioned by executive mayor, Irene Mutsila, who has since been suspended.

Last week the Vhembe district municipality took a resolution to suspend Mutsila for allegedly disregarding its policy regarding the employment of senior officials.

Suzan Sibiya, the council's speaker, confirmed that Silinda was appointed without the council's knowledge "that is why his appointment was nullified on May 31".

She said it was also not clear if Silinda had gone through the normal procedures of short-listing and interviewing prior to his appointment.

But Silinda said he had gone through the normal processes required prior to appointment.