Joburg DA questions how Makola was appointed as acting city manager without council's approval
The council met on Friday to formally ratify and approve his appointment, despite him serving as acting city manager for over a week.
A City of Joburg council meeting on 21 August 2024. Picture: Alpha Ramushwana/EWN
JOHANNESBURG - The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Joburg has questioned how the metro’s chief operation officer, Tshepo Makola, was appointed as acting city manager without the municipal council's approval.
Makola was appointed to act in the position earlier in January after the removal of Floyd Brink by the Johannesburg High Court.
He was appointed by the city's mayor without the final approval of the municipal council.
The council met on Friday to formally ratify and approve his appointment, despite him serving as acting city manager for over a week.
According to the Municipal Systems Act, the council holds the exclusive responsibility for appointing an acting city manager.
However, the mayor can recommend a candidate to the council, which has the final say on the appointment.
In this case, Makola has been serving as acting city manager for over a week without the council's official approval.
DA regional leader, Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku said this was concerning.
"In this case Madam Speaker, it means the appointment of Mr Makola as acting city manager can only take effect from the date it is approved by council. Not prior."
But the African National Congress (ANC)'s Loyiso Masuku argued that while the council was tasked with appointing a city manager, it had also delegated this responsibility to the mayor.