The South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) welcomed the dismissal of the municipal manager of the Vhembe District Municipality (VDM), Ms Ndanduleni Makhari.
In a press release issued by SAMWU, the Limpopo Province's secretary, Mr Cromwell Nhemo, says that the union had raised its objections against the appointment of Ms Makhari on several occasions.
"Her appointment was against the regulations within the local government sector and as such she was viewed as someone who (is) not fit to hold public office. Vhembe District Municipality is known for its failure to pay employees and (is) generally unable to manage its finances, hence the state of collapse they find themselves in," says Nhemo.
According to Nhemo, SAMWU members embarked on protest action, demanding, among other things, the removal of the executive mayor, the Speaker and the Chief Whip (PMT) who were involved in the irregular appointment of the municipal manager, despite numerous calls to review their decision.
SAMWU is also critical of the actions of the executive mayor, Cllr Tshitereke Matibe. The union blames him for "defending wrong things in this institution" and wants him to issue a public apology.
Last Friday, one of the senior traditional leaders in the Vhembe region, Thovhele Midiyavhathu Tshivhase, slammed the VDM for appointing people without the necessary skills and experience in key positions, such as municipal manager and chief financial officers. He was the guest speaker at the Vhembe Education Excellence Awards held at Calvary Christian Church in Lwamondo-Tshifunani village.
The spokesperson for the VDM, Mr Matodzi Ralushai, confirmed that the former municipal manager of the district was fired during the council meeting that was held on Saturday at the former Venda parliamentary chambers.
However, Ralushai could not elaborate on the firing (dismissal) of Ndanduleni Makhari, saying they would issue a statement later.