Ekurhuleni at odds with Hlabisa over CFO Kagiso Lerutla's 'invalid' appointment
Lerutla has been acting city manager since the council decision to place Dr Imogen Mashazi on special leave until her retirement date in August. This is despite the minister of co-operative governance and traditional affairs (Cogta) Velenkosini Hlabisa in May declaring that Lerutla's appointment as CFO was invalid.
Lerutla's current acting role as the city manager has raised the concern of many in the city who are worried it may find itself in a legal wrangle, as whatever he signs in this role could later be challenged as his appointment is invalid.
They say the fact that his appointment as CFO was deemed unlawful, with Cogta minister Velenkosini Hlabisa directing the municipality to axe him, makes his appointment as city manager illegal.
Hlabisa in May wrote to the MEC of Cogta, Jacob Mamabolo, saying the process followed in appointing Lerutla as CFO was not legal. Hlabisa raised several issues including how the position was advertised ahead of the appointment.
'The post of CFO was advertised as a five-year fixed term contract instead of as a permanent position and, accordingly, the employment contract was signed as a five-year fixed term contract instead of a permanent contract, which is in contravention of section 56(8) of the Municipal Systems Act as amended,' said Hlabisa.
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