Nqwazi removed as acting city boss
Barely a month after Noxolo Nqwazi was appointed as acting city manager by the Nelson Mandela Bay council, the coalition government has unceremoniously removed her from the position.
Electricity and energy director Peter Neilson will now step in as acting city manager from Monday.
Nqwazi was the second council-approved acting city manager following a special council meeting in Despatch on November 2.
She had, however, been acting in the position since October 16.
Prior to that, human settlements boss Nolwandle Gqiba had been acting as city manager after Johann Mettler was suspended.
Nqwazi will now return to her position as sports and recreation boss.
Mettler was suspended for alleged misconduct related to unlawfully extending the contract of communications firm Mohlaleng Media and irregularly hiring and suspending municipal staff. The coalition government recently added the events of the August 27 meeting where Mongameli Bobani was elected as mayor to the list of Mettler’s offences.
Nqwazi’s removal comes amid speculation that tensions had been brewing between her and the coalition government.
On Sunday, Nqwazi said she had been told by safety and security boss Keith Meyer, but no one else had contacted her.
“I have not resigned as city manager. I received a call from Keith who told me about this.
“I don’t know why, maybe I will get the reason tomorrow [Monday],” Nqwazi said.
Bobani on Sunday claimed sports, arts and recreation portfolio head Lehlohonolo Mfana had requested Nqwazi return to her position in anticipation of the summer season.
“All I know is that Mfana requested that Nqwazi go back to her position because of the load of work in the department especially with the summer season.
“Mfana wrote to me to intervene urgently. After meeting, we realised that this is serious and then decided to have Peter Neilson as acting city manager,” Bobani said.
Asked why Neilson, Bobani, said: “He is very knowledgeable and has a wealth of knowledge on local government.”
Bobani said Nqwazi had been told of the change through Mfana.
“Nqwazi did not have a problem at all,” Bobani said.
Asked if appointing an acting city manager without council approval was in line with the Municipal Systems Act, Bobani said: “The mayor can do that, it’s not the first time. This will be ratified by the council.”
Neilson confirmed he had been asked to take over and said he expected a proper briefing on Monday.
According to the Municipal Systems Act, the council must appoint a municipal manager or an acting one.
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