Johannesburg - The ANC-led council in Polokwane, Limpopo, has suspended six directors of the municipality for alleged insubordination.
Municipal spokesman Tidimalo Chuene confirmed that letters of suspension had been given to acting municipal manager Ndhavhe Ramakuela, corporate services director Cally Phanyane, roads director Molatelo Rapetsoa, town planning director Matome Makgoba, engineering director Inditsheni Sekahule and chief financial officer, Fikile Mudau.
Chuene said the decision to suspend them had been taken at a special council meeting.
“The directors were officially served with letters on Monday,” Chuene said.
“They have seven days to challenge the decision by the council.”
The Sunday Independent has seen a letter in which chief financial officer Mudau refers to a council instruction that the six directors appoint a service provider to do procurement for the municipality.
Mudau wrote: “It is advised that the council rescind the council resolution and give the accounting officer sufficient time to understand the basis of the council resolution.”
Mudau added that the council should take note that appointing a service provider to effect procurement on behalf of the municipality would duplicate processes, resulting in fruitless expenditure.
“National Treasury views must be sought in order to understand the legality of the council decision,” said Mudau.
She emphasised that engaging a service provider to undertake procurement would be in contravention of the Municipal Finance Management Act.
The Sunday Independent