Alex Matlala

Alex Matlala

The appointment of an engineering director in the Greater Tzaneen municipality last week has sparked an uproar even before the appointee starts her new job.

The brouhaha follows a feud between Vincent Maake, who held the position for nearly five years, and municipal management.

The rift allegedly emerged when Maake's contract was not renewed, while those of four other directors were .

This despite Maake being "given a performance bonus for a job well done in December 2006".

The municipality allegedly endorsed Molatelo Faith Rapetsoa's appointment as new engineering director.

Part of Rapetsoa's new job will be to evaluate tenders and award contracts.

The position has allegedly been vacant for almost one and half years since Maake's contract was not renewed.

Maake was given a three-month contract by the municipality after the intervention of the ANC in the province.

Instead of appointing him to the position, the municipality allegedly appointed Maake as a manager in the community services division.

Maake and communications and marketing manager Solly Mkhashoa were allegedly suspended for refusing to take orders from management.

In a controversial move the council appointed Rapetsoa who is currently serving her notice at the Roads Agency, Limpopo, to replace Maake.

Sources in the municipality allege there is a syndicate that is enriching itself by awarding contracts to friends and relatives.

Municipal manager Mabakane Mangena was not available for comment.