eThekwini Municipality Appoints New City Manager

City Manager: Musa Mbhele

Mayor of eThekwini, Mxolisi Kaunda, announced Mbhele as the new City Manager on Friday 16 August at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre in Durban. This after a protracted process that was hampered by protests over claims of political interference.

The city had previously attempted to appoint Max Mbili as the new City Manager. However, the process was halted after the Democratic Alliance alleged that the ANC had interfered with the process. This forced the city to restart the process and changed the selection panel to represent all parties.

The city had received over 100 applications with Mbhele emerging as the most qualified. Mayor Kaunda said Mbhele had been selected as the top candidate after a gruelling interview and testing process.

During the selection process, the panel considered candidates who ranked top five in the recruitment process with a percentage score of 70%. “It gives me pleasure to announce that the recommended candidate number 1 was Mr Thompson Mbhele with a final assessment score of 92%. According to the panel, Mr Mbhele demonstrated a high level of experience and knowledge of strategic leadership in the municipal environment,” said Kaunda.

The city had previously attempted to appoint Max Mbili as the new city manager. However, the process was halted after the Democratic Alliance alleged that the ANC had interfered with the process. This forced the city to restart the process and changed the selection panel to represent all parties.

“Mr Mbhele has a Social Science Degree, Master’s Degree in Town and Regional Planning, Project Management Diploma and BTech Degree in Business Management. He has vast experience in local government and has been the Municipal Manager at Umzumbe Municipality, and is currently Chief Operating Officer and Acting City Manager for eThekwini Municipality since July last year. The fact that he has been with the municipality for some time augurs well for us because he comprehends our challenges, and he is going to hit the ground running,” said Kaunda.

Mbhele took over from Sipho Nzuza who had served as City Manager since 2017 and left the City after a mutual agreement. Mayor Kaunda pointed out Mbhele has vast experience in local government administration and is expected to take the city to greater heights. Kaunda said: “Mbhele is not new to such a position as he had held the same position in Umzumbe local Municipality.”

Mayor Kaunda pointed out that because Mbhele has been with the municipality for some time, he is able to understand its challenges and hit the ground running.

Mbhele takes the helm of the only metro in Kwa-Zulu Natal at a time when the municipality is working hard to rebuild after the July unrest and floods.

Kaunda said that as political head, Mbhele would be expected to execute the mayoral 10-point plan.

Mayor Kaunda believes that the appointment of Mbhele will stabilise the administration of the city and bring confidence to all municipal stakeholders.