Similo Sitole News Today

The ANC provincial leadership has been accused of using the Amathole District Municipality’s development agency, Aspire, as “a cash cow”.The explosive allegations come after authorities unveiled a new acting Aspire CEO — again.

The ANC plans to rename its Amathole region after Govan Mbeki — and is not ruling out the possibility that the struggling district municipality’s name may ultimately also be changed to honour the late struggle icon. Opposition political parties have slammed the suggestion, saying it would have far-reaching financial implications at a time of great economic strain.

The Amathole District Municipality has finally approved the appointment of a new municipal manager after almost a year without one. During a closed session of a special council meeting of the municipality, councillors chose Dr Bhekisisa Mthembu, the current municipal manager of the Intsika Yethu Municipality in the Chris Hani District Municipality, to take over as the new boss at ADM.

Councillors at the Amathole District Municipality have agreed to increase the pay of municipal workers — and now want increases for themselves.

Amathole district municipality mayor Anele Ntsangani has sounded alarm bells that the troubled council may be dissolved, following its failure to submit financial statements on time. Addressing a full council meeting on Thursday, Ntsangani warned councillors of the reality of dissolution after a breakdown of relations with senior officials.

The cash-strapped Amathole district municipality is spending R298,000 a month on a bulletproof BMW X5 and VIP protectors for chief whip Nanziwe Rulashe, as her total security bill soars to nearly R2m. Ratepayers will fork out R180,000 for the vehicle and R118,000 a month for four bodyguards, who will be available 24 hours a day at her home and the ADM offices.

New ADM mayor Anele Ntsangani wants the district's acting municipal manager Lucky Mosala sent back to his job as chief financial officer and replaced by an official from the provincial government.

An Amathole district municipality special council meeting held to elect a new troika on Thursday descended into chaos after councillors of opposition parties questioned its legality. The bone of contention was the late issuing of the notice for the meeting without an agenda, which, according to council rules, must be done 48 hours before the meeting.