Durban — The eThekwini Municipality has indicated that the appointment of a new city manager is almost complete.
This was according to mayor Mxolisi Kaunda during a media briefing on Tuesday, who said that a new city manager will be appointed soon.
Kaunda said that the processes to appoint a city manager were almost complete as interviews have been completed and candidates were scheduled to undergo competency tests this week.
The mayor’s update came as the position has been vacant for over a year.
The municipal manager position was advertised in December with an attractive salary of R3 million a year. The position proved to be in high demand when more than 290 candidates applied for it. The number was eventually trimmed down to 27 and finally to three last week.
The position was left vacant for almost a year after the city parted ways with Sipho Nzuza, who is facing corruption charges relating to a R400m solid waste tender.
He was charged alongside former mayor Zandile Gumede and other former councillors and city officials.
On Tuesday, Kaunda said: “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.”
He 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,” explained Kaunda.
Kaunda commended the panel that was appointed by the council for moving with speed to finalise the process.
“This panel, which is tasked with the selection process, comprises 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.
Kaunda added that the assessments were being conducted by the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs.
“We want to assure eThekwini residents that we are conducting this process with the urgency and the thoroughness it deserves,” he said.
Daily News