Alex Matlala

Alex Matlala

The appointment of a municipal manager for the troubled greater Ba-Phalaborwa municipality in Limpopo has sparked a row between management and the council.

The rift emerged when the council allegedly reprimanded Gloria Valoyi, the municipal mayor, for ostensibly forwarding the names of the preferred candidates to Premier Sello Moloto without consulting.

The selected names were those of Cyril Monyela, Makoma Rasekgala and Khumbuzo Ntshavheni.

While the council was in favour of Rasekgala and Monyela, management allegedly preferred Ntshavheni.

The ANC held a party caucus last Sunday where the appointment of the candidates for the position dominated the agenda.

But the party could also not reach a resolution on the matter because it was not clear whether Ntshavheni was still in the country.

It was reported that Ntshavheni had accepted a scholarship to study in Canada. It is believed that she had opted to go for further studies.

Ntshavheni was said to be among the preferred candidates during interviews for the position.

The appointed candidate would have assumed office last month.

It is understood that during a party caucus last Sunday, a high-powered ANC delegation in Limpopo was dispatched to establish whether Ntshavheni was still in the country.

Sources within the ANC told Sowetan yesterday that the new council sitting would appoint the manager manager today, pending the outcome of the investigations.

Valoyi said she would comment on the appointment later.