Sithembele Wiseman Vatala, a former Knysna municipal councilor, lost his attempt to prevent Emalahleni Municipality from suing him for R7.5 million. Emalahleni claims Vatala’s negligence, while serving as municipal manager from 2013 to 2019, led to their financial damages. The core issue stems from a lawsuit related to Xolelwa Mangayi, who suffered an electric shock at a municipal substation. Mangayi filed for R3 million, but the failure to pay resulted in a R10.5 million judgment against the municipality.
Vatala argued his case lacked clarity, but Acting Judge Nolubabalo Cengani-Mbakaza allowed the lawsuit to proceed, stating that minor ambiguities could be clarified later. Jay Kruuse from the Public Service Accountability Monitor noted the rarity of municipalities suing their managers for negligence. Kruuse hopes the case sets a precedent for better governance.
Vatala, later involved in other municipal roles, faced additional allegations, including tender irregularities, but many claims remain disputed.
Original Source: Daily Maverick
Date: 2024-06-09 19:21:10
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