Administrator appointed for ailing Makana Local Municipality

An executive administrator could take reins at the Makana Local Municipality as soon as Thursday after the Eastern Cape government agreed to intervene in turning around the struggling municipality.

This follows efforts by the Concerned Citizens Committee to Save Makana (CCCSM), which represents the Committee’s and Membership of the Grahamstown Residents Association, Grahamstown Business Forum & Makana Unity League, to have the municipality placed under administration.

"Following several months of demanding engagement with local, Provincial and National government structures, the CCCSM can confirm that agreement has been reached on the appointment of a specialist executive administrator for Makana," described Ron Weissenberg, Chairperson of Concerned Citizens Committee to Save Makana.

"The appointment has been facilitated through the offices of The Premier of the Eastern Cape [Phumulo Masualle].

"The administrator is scheduled to commence duties as soon as Thursday 28th September, subject to the conclusion of statutory formalities with the Makana Council."

Weissenberg said that notwithstanding the magnitude of the task ahead, the CCCSM has been provided assurances that the appointed administrator shall be a capable leader and with a track record of turnaround successes.

"Details of his mandate, powers and levels of authority will be forthcoming as soon as possible.

"The CCCSM shall be engaged in ensuring the specialist administrator is suitably sanctioned to carry out the immediate and future interventions necessary for the sustainability of our Municipality," he said.

"We thank the various government structures for their openness and willingness to find solutions benefitting the Makana community.

"We also wish to acknowledge the determined and tireless support of the CCCSM role-players; the Grahamstown Residents Association, Business Forum and Makana Unity League, and the encouragement of the greater Makana community."

Weissenberg said that further announcements and information will be provided in due course.