DA cries foul over new appointment

LEPHALALE - The recommendation to appoint Lawrence Tlhako as the manager for infrastructure services at the Lephalale Municipality has several councillors up in arms. The recommendation was made at a council meeting held on Tuesday at the Lephalale Municipality.
Tlhako was the technical manager at the Municipality up until August 2007 when he was dismissed and a case of mismanagement of funds was apparently opened against him by the previous council. Tlhako contested his dismissal and the Municipality, under new leadership decided to settle the matter out of court. Tlhako was paid R750 000 to settle the matter. Municipal manager, Bob Naidoo told Northern News in May this year that the matter was settled in this way to avoid hefty legal costs.
The DA believes that irreparable damage was done in the Municipality’s relationship with Tlhako, and that he should not be appointed as manager. Tlhako was chosen from a list of four candidates after interviews were held on 19 September. The panel recommended to council on Tuesday that Tlhako be appointed as he was the best candidate during the interview process.
Northern News also reported in May that the previous Mayor, Johanna Mojela,  accused the Municipality of misconduct and was especially concerned about the R1, 5 million paid to Tlhako and Shirley Tloane. Mojela who remained as ANC councillor after her dismissal as Mayor was in the meeting on Tuesday and objected strongly to Tlhako’s appointment. Clr R. K Motsholakgetse who is also opposed to the appointment was not allowed to speak as he was not part of the ANC caucus when the matter was discussed.
Northern News contacted municipal manager, Bob Naidoo for comment, but he was not available at the time of going to print.