ActionSA has threatened legal action over the appointment of Andile Gobinca as secretary to the Johannesburg Municipality, saying he lacked the necessary qualifications.
In a statement on Tuesday, ActionSA caucus leader in the City of Joburg Nobuhle Mthembu said the party was considering taking the appointment up with its lawyers.
“While we acknowledge his alternative academic achievements, we firmly believe that this position should be held by an individual with relevant legal qualifications and experience in local governance, as well as a well-rounded understanding of the legal field,” said Mthembu.
During last week’s 29th ordinary council sitting and amid widespread calls for the mayor to step down, the council decided on key appointments.
Among those were Syanda Mnukwa, a executive director of community development; Tebogo Modiba, as executive director of environment and services; Aubrey Mochela, as group executive director of group information communications and technology management; Mbulelo Allan Ruda, as group executive director of group corporate and shared services; Gobinca, as the secretary to council and advocate Nolitha Ntebe, as integrity commissioner of Johannesburg.
However, ActionSA rejected Gobinca’s appointment.
It said it could not take part in setting a precedent whereby candidates without qualifications were appointed.
“Consequently, ActionSA will seek legal advice, with the aim of rescinding this detrimental decision, where the council opted to endorse someone without suitable qualifications.
“It is important to highlight that this is the same council that also overlooked Mohammed Ismail Khan for the position of integrity commissioner despite his qualifications. Mr Khan has practised as an attorney for over 21 years and served as a magistrate for 22 years. Additionally, Mr Khan is not affiliated with any political party.”
Mthembu said that if the council was serious about rebuilding the city, that must be reflected in its decisions.
“Our principled value of ethical leadership obviates our strong disapproval of this appointment. We previously cautioned the council when they appointed mayor Kabelo Gwamanda, a Grade 10 certificate holder, in 2023. Despite our concerns, we were met with insults, and today, the city is in a state of disaster as a consequence of hiring a questionable competency,” she said.
Attempts to get comment from the City of Joburg were unsuccessful at the time of going to publication.
Last week, various civil society organisations handed over a memorandum, demanding the mayor be removed.
The mayor said those calling for his removal were driven by political point-scoring.
“It has been a while in South Africa since a black child has been attacked on this level on baseless points based on sending a message to any young black person who is black and previously disadvantaged to steer clear from roles that are reserved for their desired people,”said Gwamanda.
The Star