Ousted Municipal Manager speaks up

Dr EMS Ntombela

"I will take a lie detector test"

‘I feel I owe the community an explanation.’ Speaking after his second controversial suspension from duty, Mtubatuba Municipal Manager, Dr Michael Ntombela said direct political interference in the administration of the country’s municipalities is one of the main causes of public protest. ‘And Mtubatuba is no exception,’ he said. ‘About my delaying the signing of a lease agreement on the sale of commercial land, I have a good explanation and I do not regret this decision. ‘I protected my personal integrity as the signatory of documents and the integrity and credibility of the Mtubatuba Municipality. ‘As Municipal Manager I am tasked with ensuring that such important decisions are made with the utmost care and responsibility. ‘The reasons will be revealed in the correct forum at a later stage to an independent, impartial commission of inquiry. ‘I believe my cautious handling of the sale of commercial land was ill received by some councillors and officials. ‘I submit that the operations of the Mtubatuba Municipality as well as my own work product must be subject to forensic audits and comprehensive investigations.

Lie detector tests
‘I am willing to give my full co-operation in any procedures and I am willing to undergo lie detector tests. ‘With regard to my repeated suspensions from the service of the Mtubatuba Municipality, I can say that it was done in a way which lacks adequate knowledge of how a public administrative unit operates. ‘As Mtubatuba Municipal Manager, I remain accountable to local communities, civic organisations, municipal officials, the KZN MEC for Local Government, the Auditor General and the local council.’