In a surprise move, suspended Thulamela municipal manager Masala Makumule has resigned from his position.
Makumule, who had been on suspension for almost two months, resigned on Tuesday, 12 August. His decision, kept under wraps for a week, came just a day before he was due to appear before the municipality's disciplinary committee. He faced allegations of failing to curb unauthorised expenditure and of not implementing strict procurement policies.
The resignation, initially treated as a closely guarded secret, was formally announced during a special council meeting on Tuesday, 19 August.
Makumule's departure shocked many as he had repeatedly insisted he was innocent. Opposition parties in the Thulamela council reacted with mixed feelings.
The EFF's Ernest Madzimbalala told a local radio station that there was little to celebrate. "These are the birds of the same feathers, and it is the recycling of the same material. Nothing has changed as the acting municipal manager was working in the same office with the municipal manager."
He claimed more than R6 million had been wasted on investigations. "The money could have been used to provide scarce services. This is a political gimmick, and what we read now is that the move is influenced by the outcomes of the recent Vhembe ANC regional conference. As the EFF, we were very sceptical about his appointment but were subdued as his party is in the majority. For the residents of Thulamela to get the best service, they will have to vote correctly in the forthcoming elections," he said.
Vhembe Concerned Group's Phathutshedzo Ramabulana welcomed the resignation, saying it was long overdue. "The forensic report laid everything bare, and we expected the mayor to act but she never did. We expect the new municipal manager to come with a new team for the residents of Thulamela to get clean governance," he said.
DA leader in Vhembe Thelma Marole said the move was no surprise. "We welcome the move, but the damage is already done. We voiced our displeasure over his appointment, but we were not given an audience. When this tender thing started, we alerted the mayor, who ignored us. What we want now is that all the companies and all involved should be investigated and held to account," she said.
Makumule, asked for comment, said he was not ready to speak.
Municipal spokesperson Ndwamato Tshiila confirmed the resignation. "Yes, it is true council has received a resignation letter from the municipal manager, Mr Masala Makumule. The council took a resolution to accept the letter and ratified it. The letter did not have that much other than indicating his resignation and thanking the municipality for affording him the opportunity to serve," he said.
Tshiila disputed claims by the opposition that R6 million had been spent on investigations. "It is far-fetched and devoid of all truth," he said.