Another Free Stater, David Mohale also part of the 10-man demarcation board
Two prominent Free Staters have added a further cap to their distinguished service careers after they were appointed to the country’s Municipal Demarcation Board.
Former Mangaung Metro Municipality executive mayor Thabo Manyoni leads the board which was appointed recently by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The board’s five-year term started on March 1.
Former ANC Free State youth league spokesperson, Dr. David Mohale is also part of the 10-man board.
News on the duo’s appointment set social media platforms abuzz this week with users dishing out congratulatory messages to both leaders.
Manyoni had a stint service at the National Assembly as a member of parliament (MPL) after his term as Mangaung executive mayor came to an end after the 2016 local government elections.
He had also served a five-year term as chairman of the South African Local Government Association (Salga).
On Sunday, Manyoni and Mohale, together with the rest of the appointees to the board, were formally welcomed by Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) Minister Zweli Mkhize.
In a statement released by the ministry, Mkhize noted the importance of the institution and the need to take it to greater heights.
Manyoni’s academic credentials include a Bachelor of Arts degree, a diploma in business management and a certificate in executive leadership.
His extensive experience in the public service and local government is seen as strong points as he seeks to turn the fortunes of the institution around.
The new chairman of the board also worked for the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) for four years and has been a municipal manager for two municipalities in the Free State province.
“He was also an executive mayor of Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality, during which he served as the national chairperson of the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and the vice president of the United Cities and Local Government in Africa,” said Mkhize.
He also noted Manyoni has served both the provincial and national spheres of government, in addition to acting as Premier and a member of the provincial executive cabinet in the Free State.
Manyoni is deputised on the Municipal Demarcation Board by Mbali Myeni, who holds a BA (Honours) and a Masters in Business Administration Degree.
Another Free Stater, Mohale holds a doctorate degree in literature and philosophy.
Mohale has worked for local government as chief of staff at Masilonyana Local Municipality and as head in the office of the speaker at Matjhabeng Local Municipality.
He was also a senior researcher and his extensive knowledge on local government extends to other countries in the continent and beyond.
Mohale currently works in the office of the Vice-Chancellor of the Durban University of Technology.
The ANC youth league (ANCYL) in the province has hailed Mohale’s inclusion into the board as a major victory for young people.
In a statement spokesman Sello Pietersen said the league is confident in the ‘young and revolutionary’ Mohale to excel in his new responsibility.
The demarcation board is tasked with resolving key challenges emanating from disputes over municipal boundaries.
The board says it has deployed strategic thinkers to run the institution to avoid community protests over municipal boundaries across the country.
“We have seen the negative impact with community protests over municipal boundaries across the country, and indeed, we need level headed and strategic thinkers to form part of this board. It is therefore not a mistake that one of the critical and strategic thinkers of our generation is included in this board,” said Pietersen.
“We are confident that he will be equal to the task. We have no iota of doubt that his superior understanding of the developmental state concept will add immense value in the work of the demarcation board.”
Pietersen noted the league also congratulates former ANC deputy chairperson in the province Manyoni for his appointment as board chairperson.
“We wish him all the best in his new responsibility,” he said.
