The ANC provincial leadership has been accused of using the Amathole District Municipality’s development agency, Aspire, as “a cash cow”.The explosive allegations come after authorities unveiled a new acting Aspire CEO again.
The ANC plans to rename its Amathole region after Govan Mbeki and is not ruling out the possibility that the struggling district municipality’s name may ultimately also be changed to honour the late struggle icon. Opposition political parties have slammed the suggestion, saying it would have far-reaching financial implications at a time of great economic strain.
The Amathole District Municipality has finally approved the appointment of a new municipal manager after almost a year without one. During a closed session of a special council meeting of the municipality, councillors chose Dr Bhekisisa Mthembu, the current municipal manager of the Intsika Yethu Municipality in the Chris Hani District Municipality, to take over as the new boss at ADM.
Amathole district municipality mayor Anele Ntsangani has sounded alarm bells that the troubled council may be dissolved, following its failure to submit financial statements on time. Addressing a full council meeting on Thursday, Ntsangani warned councillors of the reality of dissolution after a breakdown of relations with senior officials.