Picture: The Phokwane Local Municipality mayor, Tebogo Afrika and newly appointed Municipal Manager, Zithulele Nikani/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
The embattled Phokwane Local Municipality has appointed the new Municipal Manager. The municipality spokesperson, Kgalalelo Letshabo said in a statement that, the appointment of the Municipal Manager, was amongst items on the agenda during the special council meeting that was convened on 3 May 2023.
Letshabo further said after thorough engagements and debate, the council resolved to appoint Zithulele Nikani on a five-year contract, effective from 8 May 2023.
“A contract is stipulated on the Local government: Municipal structures Act 2000 that the employment should be up to a maximum of five years, not exceeding a period ending a year after the election of the next council meeting.
“Today, the mayor, Tebogo Afrika, introduced Nikani to the staff. In his remarks, Afrika said, it is with great honour and privilege to welcome Nikani back to the municipality. He said Nikani’s appointment will bridge the service delivery gap and bring stability after a lengthy duration,” she said.
Letshabo further said, Afrika requested the officials to give necessary support Nikani.
Nikani said, he was happy to be appointed as the new Municipal Manager. He said, he will embark on a face-to-face, section-to-section meetings with officials to get a sense of what are the challenges and how do they improve much-needed service delivery.
Nikani holds BA Honours in African Studies, Certificate in Executive Leadership Municipal Development Programme, certificate of attendance in Bid Committee and certificate in Public Finance and Fiscal management in the Local Government.
He has more than ten years’ experience in Local Government and he is a former Director of Community Services and acting Municipal Manager.
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