In a statement issued by the Matatiele Local Municipality, it has been announced that Mr Lizo Matiwane has been appointed as the Municipal Manager, this is after a Special Virtual Council meeting was held on Friday, 30 September 2022.
Formal recruitment and selection processes as prescribed by law, were completed and submitted to Council. Matiwane started his 5-year fixed contact on the 3rd of October.
According to the Municipality, the Municipal Manager’s position became vacacant when Mr Matiwane’s contract ended in July 2022. The position was advertised from 17 June to 08 July 2022 after the matter was tabled at a Council meeting held on the 13th of June 2022. Out of eighteen (18) applications received eleven (11) candidates were shortlisted to be invited to the interviews. The candidates were invited to the interviews on the 10th of August 2022, subsequent to them meeting the requirements of the post.
It is believed that Matiwane holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration and Political Science from the University of Port Elizabeth, Bachelor Artium Honours in Political Science from Nelson Mandela University; a Strategic Management Course & Advanced Programme in Project Management from the University of South Africa (UNISA). He also has one of the prerequisite courses needed for any employee in local government, which is CPMD and holds a Bachelor of Laws from UNISA.
The statement says that Mr Matiwane brings with a wealth of experience in local government, public administration and policy development. He previously worked for the Alfred Nzo District Municipality where he was heading the Corporate Services Department. At Mhlontlo Local Municipality, Matiwane acted as the Municipal Manager and a Director for Corporate Services. He worked for the formally known as Nkonkobe Local Municipality – which is now know as Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality as a Senior Manager: Strategic Planning and Local Economic Development and also responsible for Corporate Services. Between 2005 and 2009 he was an Assistant Director for SMME Development.
The newly appointed MM was welcomed by the Matatiele Local Municipality Mayor Cllr. Sonwabile Mngenela, who congratulated Mr Matiwane for being appointed and also outlined the tasks he needs to fulfill.
“On behalf of the Matatiele Local Municipality Council, I would like to welcome you back to this institution, where we are facing a number of challenges that you are aware of, the levels of unemployment are high, our rural roads need attention, the electrification infrastructure in our town has reached its lifespan, crime is rife and gender- based violence cases are increasing daily,”said Mngenela.
The Mayor further stressed out that The newly appointed MM should come up with a turnout strategy to take this institution to greater heights, improve the livelihoods of the Matatiele community and implement all resolutions taken by the Council to build a better Matatiele.
