Former Knysna municipal manager Phineas Ombali Sebola has applied for leave to appeal a Western Cape High Court judgment that ordered his appointment to the municipality to be set aside.
The ruling followed court applications filed by the DA and Western Cape local government MEC Anton Bredell in 2023.
The applicants contended that Sebola, appointed over a year ago, lacked the necessary qualifications and was unfit for the position.
The May 10 judgment declared Sebola’s appointment null and void, ruling it unlawful. Sebola said he was appealing the judgment to clear his name.
I want my name cleared
“I appealed the judgment to set aside my appointment,” said Sebola.
“The reason for my appeal is to set the record straight regarding my eligibility and competency to occupy the position of municipal manager.
“I had the competency record that was furnished to the municipality, which didn’t serve before council. Their failure to serve my report to the council meeting shouldn’t be attributed to me.
“I want my name to be cleared by this appeal matter, and I won’t allow anyone to tarnish my name as if I am incompetent or corrupt without any proof.”
Bredell’s spokesperson, Wouter Kriel, said the department will oppose the appeal.
“The minister signed two affidavits yesterday. The first is to ask the court that the order be implemented regardless of the appeal implying the municipal manager must exit, and the second is to oppose the appeal application,” said Kriel.
DA spokesperson on finance, Dr Dion George, said the party will reject any attempt by the municipality to reappoint Sebola in any capacity.
Lack of proper qualifications
“The DA pursued legal action following Mr Sebola’s appointment due to his lack of proper qualifications,” said George.
“Mr Sebola’s performance in Knysna has been blatantly inadequate, exacerbating crises in water supply, finances, refuse removal, and sewage management.
“We adamantly oppose any attempt by the dysfunctional Knysna government to reappoint Mr Sebola in any capacity.
“We will take swift action to prevent any circumvention of this ruling.”
