Makola appointment as acting Joburg city manager formalised

The decision was made during an extraordinary council meeting on Friday.

The city manager position became vacant after the Johannesburg High Court ruled that Floyd Brink's appointment in 2023 was unlawful.

Makola, currently the metro's chief operating officer, was informally appointed to the role by Mayor Dada Morero in December.

He will act in the position for the next three months while the city begins its recruitment process.

DA Joburg regional leader Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku expressed concerns over the appointment process.

While the DA expressed concerns over the appointment process, Kayser-Echeozonjoku hopes Makola will help stabilise service delivery.

"The Democratic Alliance warned this council on numerous occasions that the decisions  were unlawful.

"The court ruling agreeing with the DA underscores the importance of adhering to principles of our Constitution and the processes governed by our Municipal Systems Act.

"It serves as a reminder that accountability, transparency and legality are paramount in our decision-making as public representatives in a constitutional democracy.

'It is unfortunate…that residents of the city must now pay for the city opposing an  unlawful, unconstitutional and invalid decision taken by this ANC-led coalition.

" Madam Speaker, whilst we recognise Mr. Makola's qualifications, experience  and the fact that he's the city's current COO, he steps into a role with the responsibility of leading our city during this transitional period and ensuring that operations run smoothly.

"We hope that he will run the city with transparency and be accessible to all councillors, irrespective of political  party during this acting period," said Kayser-Echeozonjoku.

At the same time, African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) councillor Ronald Harris welcomed the appointment, offering a few words of advice.

"The appointment of Mr Makola as the acting city manager is welcome, though. The assignment should provide stability to the critical administrative arm of the city.

“Just a few words of advice,  Do not be sucked into the parallel universe operating in the city where some are alleged to control the projects and funding of the city.

“Avoid the pressure to politicise the city manager's office, to operate in silos and to participate in turf wars.

“Hold the people accountable who are abusing the fiscus by allocating projects to questionable companies and allowing contractors to abandon sites with millions of rand and unfinished work."

Harris continued, "Put into place measures to stem the tide of the ineffective use of public funds. Encourage every employee to provide nothing less than high productivity and excellent service delivery.

“Create a climate of height and civic consciousness so that the perception and image of the city can be improved from a grassroots level."

Meanwhile, ANC councillor and MMC for Group Corporate and Shared Services, Loyiso Masuku, defended Mayor Morero, saying it was within his rights to announce Makola for the job even before the council's approval.

“We abided by the decision of the court. I draw the council's attention to council delegations approved by a council meeting of June 13, 2013.

“Appointment of the acting city manager is the responsibility of council and can be delegated from council to the mayor.”

Masuku told the opposition they were welcome to contest the council delegation.

 “There have been many changes in government over the years. If there is a caucus that feels group governance needs to review council delegations, they can do so by engaging the executive and through the section 79 committees.”

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