The political leadership of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has categorically denied any political interference in the work of former Municipal Manager, Lindiwe Msengana-Ndlela.
The Port Elizabeth High Court ordered the Metro to pay her more than R3.1 million in a civil action suit , following her abrupt departure in 2013 after five months into her five year contract.
In his 10 page judgement the Judge said that Msengana-Ndlela's testimony of political interference from the former Mayor Benson Fihla stands uncontroverted adding htat neither him nor former Deputy Mayor Chippa Ncgolomba or anymone else had testified or refuted her claims.
In a statement Metro Spokesperson Roland Williams said the legal team is currently studying the Judgement.
In his statement he highlighted the following:
1. The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has noted the high court ruling in the application brought against the municipality by former City Manager, Ms Msengana-Ndlela.
2. Our legal team is currently studying the ruling/judgement and will advise the City Manager as to what (legal) steps or action should follow.
3. We are thus unable to comment further on the judgement.
4. With regard to the allegations made by Msengana-Ndlela on the appointment of MKMVA veterans, the Executive Mayor vehemently denies having made such impositions on the City Manager. It is on public record that the Executive Mayor, in his 100 days programme, outlined various priority projects and undertakings, including the establishment of a Mayoral Protection Unit. The recruitment for this Unit was to follow the official selection and recruitment policy.
5. The Executive Mayor is not aware of any instance where he or any of his colleagues on the Mayoral Committee made or insinuated any threats on the person of Msengana-Ndlela. As a veteran of the struggle against apartheid and the fight for freedom for freedom and democracy in South Africa, Oom Ben (as he is fondly known) often recounted episodes of the struggle. Such recollections cannot, by any stretch of the imagination, be construed to be a direct threat to any person. The application in this respect is opportunistic.
6. Oom Ben remains a respected, disciplined veteran who always preaches and adheres to principles of peace, tolerance, non-violence and discipline. In fact, Oom Ben has never even referred to Ms Msengana-Ndlela by name, always preferring to address her by her official title as City Manager.
7. Media and stakeholders are reminded that the matter of a settlement with the former City Manager was brought to the attention of Council, where it was formally tabled. The Council then took a decision that no settlement should be made and that the Legal Office must defend any claim for a settlement, as Council understood that Ms Msengana-Ndlela had resigned.
8. The political leadership categorically denies interfering in the administration.
