Question NW1352 to the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

Graham, Ms SJ to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

(1)Whether she has been informed that the Council of Dr Beyers Naudé Local Municipality resolved on 25 January 2023 to appoint Dr Edward Rankwana as Municipal Manager, in spite of letters opposing the appointment that were submitted within the requisite time frame to her and the Member of the Executive Council, Mr Zolile Williams, on behalf of the Democratic Alliance listing a myriad of reasons as to why Dr Rankwana was not a suitable candidate for re-appointment, such as the fact that, at the time of his appointment in January 2023, he was 67 years of age and that at the end of this term he would be 72; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (2) whether there has been any request from the Dr Beyers Naudé Local Municipality to waive the application of the retirement age regulation; if not, what action will be taken against the Council for the appointment in contravention of the regulations; if so, what particular skills set does Dr Rankwana possess that would warrant such a waiver; (3) whether she will instruct the Council to revoke the appointment and re-advertise the position; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?