Siphelele Nketo 

AFTER five months without a manager, Matatiele Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape confirmed the appointment of Mothusi Lepheana as new municipality manager, anticipated to resume his duties next month.

Nokhanyo Zembe has been acting in the position.

These developments emanated from the resignation of former municipal manager Lizo Matiwane in January. Municipal spokesperson Ndabuko Masumpa said that the new manager, Lepheana, will start his duties from July 1.

Meanwhile, the Matatiele Business Chamber has welcomed the appointment of Lepheana, and its president, Zolile Mosweu, said that the new appointment will bring stability and progress in the institution.

“Lepheana will bring both legal expertise and intimate understanding of the challenges facing our communities. We expect his appointment to bring tangible changes to the lives of citizens and to advance the development of the town and municipality,” said Mosweu.

He said that the business community looks forward to working with an administrator who will prioritise service delivery, good governance and economic growth.

He said the Matatiele community needs an administrator, not a politician, while pledging full support for Lepheana.

He said the business chamber will hold the municipal administration accountable and provide constructive criticism where performance falls short.