Minister appoints Interim Board at uMngeni-uThukela Water
An 11-member Interim Board has been appointed at uMngeni-uThukela Water to begin its tenure with immediate effect. This swift action by the Executive Authority of uMngeni-uThukela Water, who is the Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation, follows a decision by the Minister to terminate the term of the previous Board due to discovery of non-compliance with national cabinet approved protocol pertaining to appointment of Board members of a State-Owned entity.
The previous Board was appointed by the then outgoing Minister of Water and Sanitation, effective from 1 st May 2019.
The Interim Board comprises capable men and women from diverse backgrounds whose primary task is to hold the fort and steer the organisation in the right direction and ensure that governance principles are observed, maintained and enhanced in order to underpin the sustainability of the organisation.
Members of the Interim Board are:
- Mr Magasela Mzobe: Chairperson
- Mr Thabo Johannes Tselane: Deputy Chairperson
- Mr Vuyani Ndara
- Mr Sydney James
- Mr Mlamli Thembinkosi Magigaba
- Mr Bheki Innocent Dladla
- Ms Pretty Ntombela
- Ms Unathi Mhlope
- Mr Manqoba “Boy” Ngubo
- Ms Linda Ngcobo
- Ms Sindisiwe Fortunate Getyeza
The Interim Board’s term began on 1 August 2020 and will last until a permanent Board is appointed by the Minister. The Interim Board has full powers and responsibilities of a fully-fledged Accounting Authority and will perform its strategic role and oversight functions at uMngeni-uThukela Water in line with, and in complete recognition of, all governance imperatives, including the Water Services Act, the Public Finance Management Act, the Municipal Finance Management Act, the Municipal Systems Act, the Companies Act and King IV Reports on Corporate Governance.
This will allay any concerns that may exist among stakeholders and employees about inadequate governance oversight. The Interim Board will continue to be supported by an Ethics Committee that is chaired by an independent member with vast experience in ethical conduct and the public sector regulatory regime.
As is obligatory, uMngeni-uThukela Water has already issued a statement to the Stock Exchange News Service, creating awareness of the changes, including the appointment of the Interim Board. The Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation, Ms Lindiwe Sisulu, MP, has indicated that the process for the appointment of a permanent Board will be expedited. The appointment of one member of the previous Board of uMngeni-uThukela Water illustrates the Minister’s determination to ensure continuation and strengthening of governance oversight.
uMngeni-uThukela Water looks forward to the contribution that the members of the Interim Board will individually, and collectively, ensure that uMngeni-uThukela Water continues its tradition as a sustainable and top performing entity that provides value to its customers and other stakeholders.
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Issued by the Corporate Stakeholder Management Unit, Office of the Chief Executive
uMngeni-uThukela Water, Head Office, Pietermaritzburg
5 th August 2020
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