Statement by His Worship the Mayor, Cllr James Nxumalo:
The process of filling the post of City Manager started in June this year when the contract of the current City Manager came to an end. Council took a decision to advertise the post of City Manager. In order to run a process that was above board, we decided to involve an outside recruitment agency to assist in this process.
The post was advertised in five newspapers, being the Sunday Times, Ilanga, Mercury, Isolezwe and the Natal Witness. The closing date was 28 October. Twenty three (23) applications were received on time, and four (4) were received after the closing date and were consequently not considered.
The first phase of the selection process involved a shortlisting process based on the critical requirements stated in the advertisement. Nine candidates were shortlisted from this process.
The second phase involved the nine candidates undergoing a pre-selection interview. From this process four candidates were shortlisted for interviews. The fourth candidate withdrew her candidature.
The three candidates underwent a competency test before the final interviews. At the final interviews the candidates were required to do a 20 minute presentation detailing what they would do to position the Municipality to respond effectively to the 12 key strategic areas and achieve desired goals within the next five (5) years. This was followed by a session where the candidates answered questions from all the panel members.
Members of the media, we believe we have gone through a vigorous process and I am happy to announce that Mr Sibusiso Sithole was unanimously recommended for appointment.
This recommendation has been unanimously accepted by the Full Council sitting earlier today. I wish to take this opportunity to congratulate Mr Sithole on his appointment and we look forward to welcome him to City Hall on 3rd January 2012.
Lastly, I would like to thank current City Manager, Dr Michael Sutcliffe for the excellent work he has done for this Municipality over the past decade. We wish him well in his future endeavours.
