uMzumbe official 'parachuted' to senior eThekwini post

A whistleblower has said an official was allegedly transferred from uMzumbe municipality in KwaZulu-Natal and parachuted to a senior post in eThekwini without following proper recruitment procedures.

- Sandile Motha

The source, who spoke to the Mail & Guardian on condition of anonymity, said the position had been advertised and internal candidates shortlisted. But they were overlooked, allegedly allowing one Thabile Mbili to bypass the system.

Mbili was subsequently appointed as an administration officer under the metro’s supply chain unit, earning a salary of R30 000 a month. The appointment was made without any interview being conducted.

“Those who applied were shocked to be informed after the shortlisting process that the position had been withdrawn,” the whistleblower said.

“Many of the applicants were internal candidates in the same unit having worked for years in one grade.”