The Western Cape High Court has overturned the Knysna local municipality’s decision to appoint Ombali Phineas Sebola as its municipal manager.
Acting judge Mas-udah Pangarker ruled on Friday that the Knysna municipal council’s decision to appoint Sebola as municipal manager in January 2023 was illegal.
“It is declared that the decision taken by the Knysna municipal council on January 25 2023, appointing Mr O. P. Sebola [the fourth respondent] as municipal manager is null and void,” said Pangarker.
“The appointment of Mr O.P. Sebola in consequence of the Knysna municipal council’s decision as referred to in the preceding paragraph is set aside.”
The appointment of a new municipal manager was remitted to the municipality, which was directed to start the advertisement process afresh.
Position to be advertised again
Sebola’s appointment went to court due to two court applications that challenged the appointment.
The DA filed the initial application against Sebola, the speaker of council, executive mayor, and municipal manager, among others.
Anton Bredell, the Western Cape MEC for local government, environmental affairs, and development planning, filed a second application against Sebola, the local municipality of Knysna, and the speaker.
Pangarker rendered a decision on Friday after hearing both applications in July 2023.
DA MP Dion George welcomed the judgment.
Lack of proper qualifications
“The DA acknowledges the ruling by the Western Cape High Court invalidating the appointment of Mr Sebola as the municipal manager of Knysna,” said George.
“The DA pursued legal action following Mr Sebola’s appointment due to his lack of proper qualifications and complete unsuitability for the role.
“His tenure as the municipal manager for Modimolle-Mokgophong resulted in the municipality’s bankruptcy, and he fled before facing legal consequences, only to resurface in Knysna.
“Mr Sebola’s performance in Knysna has been blatantly inadequate, exacerbating crises in water supply, finances, refuse removal, and sewage management.
“The current coalition of corruption, comprising the ANC, EFF, and PA, bears responsibility for appointing such an unfit individual.
“The DA welcomes his immediate departure, effective today. We adamantly oppose any attempt by the dysfunctional Knysna government to reappoint Mr Sebola in any capacity, including as acting municipal manager, as currently suggested.
“We will take swift action to prevent any circumvention of this ruling by the coalition of corruption.”
