The decision by the Makhado Local Municipality’s Council to appoint a politically “preferred” candidate as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will likely face legal challenges. It is also expected to result in further labour unrest, as workers continue to protest and engage in go-slow strikes.

As of late Wednesday afternoon, the official announcement regarding the appointment of the CFO had not yet been made. However, it was evident that the ANC’s senior politicians were poised to have their way and not appoint the current acting CFO, Mr Godfrey Raliphada. Raliphada scored the highest during the interviews and received the recommendation of the selection panel.

The Political Management Team (PMT) appeared to favour another candidate, Ms Mulatwa Thangavhuelelo, who currently serves as CFO at the troubled Vhembe District Municipality (VDM).

Earlier this week, workers at the municipality initiated a go-slow strike, with the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) and Independent Municipal Allied Trade Union (IMATU) joining forces to lead the strike. The workers demanded that the CFO appointment process be fair, transparent, and free from political interference.

According to Mr Tsanwani Raduwa, the secretary of the local SAMWU branch, Raliphada was the best candidate and should have been appointed. He argued that the delay in finalizing the appointment was due to political interference.

Raduwa stated that they had met with the top five politicians in the ANC Vhembe region and urged them to refrain from interfering in the CFO appointment process. The union was then informed that the municipality must appoint a female candidate, a sentiment reiterated by Mayor Samuel Munyai during a recent radio interview. Raduwa contended that if the CFO position had been intended for female candidates only, this should have been specified in the job advertisement. SAMWU insists that the position, as advertised, should be open to both male and female candidates.

In a letter signed by Makhado Municipal Manager Mr Kent Nemaname, Finance Councillor Mr Robert Magada, and Mr MP Makhura on 17 May this year, it was recommended that Raliphada be appointed after he had scored the highest marks during the interview.

Mr Mpho Mulaudzi, the chairperson of the local branch of IMATU, also believes that the municipality has intentionally delayed making the acting CFO position permanent because politicians want their preferred candidate.

An anonymous source within the municipality alleged that the CFO appointment issue was related to questionable tender dealings. She claimed that senior politicians wanted to appoint someone they could control, and Raliphada did not appear to conform to their wishes.

The unions are planning legal action, similar to what occurred in 1998 when a court challenge led to the reversal of a town clerk’s appointment.

Late on Wednesday afternoon, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF)’s councillor, Wiseman Ramalwa, said that they oppose the decision taken by the ANC councillors to appoint Thangavhuelo as CFO. They believe that the best candidate for the position is Raliphada, and they will turn to the courts to challenge the decision.

The Democratic Alliance (DA)’s representative in Council, MS Glenda Furumela, said that her party will also seek legal action to have the decision to appoint Thangavhuelo as CFO set aside. She argued that Thangavhuelo’s track record at the VDM is evidence that she is not a suitable candidate. The DA also supports Raliphada’s permanent appointment in this crucial position.

At the time of going to press, the situation at the municipality remained very chaotic, with councillors exchanging insults while workers picketed outside.