Eastern Cape Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
MEC Xolile Nqatha has welcome an East London High Court’s decision to set aside
the appointment of Dr Thandekile Mnyimba as Amathole District Municipality
municipal manager.
The court ruling came after labour unions in ADM took the
matter to court challenging Mnyimba’s appointment as municipal manager on a new
five-year term.
The ADM council appointed Mnyimba on a new five-year
contract effective June 1, 2022, despite vehement opposition to the decision
from labour unions, ANC provincial executive committee and the provincial
government.
The court ruling was delivered yesterday, June 28, as
Mnyimba and ADM executive mayor Councillor Nceba Ndikinda, who were cited as
respondents in the matter, attended the State of the District Address in
Dutywa.
“I wish to welcome the judgement as I remain convinced that
if due process is not followed, anyone is bound to fail the test of legality
and therefore any other effort without proof of evidence is dead on arrival,”
Nqatha was quoted as having said in reaction to the court ruling.
Nqatha said he felt vindicated by the judgement of the East
London High Court as he firmly believed in the rule of law and due process that
must be always followed.
“The Amathole District Municipality notes the draft order
that is currently being circulated in the media and on social media purporting
to set aside the appointment of its municipal manager. As soon as the
municipality officially receives a copy of the signed court order it will
obviously respect the court order and if needs be seek legal advice,’ said ADM
spokesperson Nonceba Madikizela-Vuso.
