Mkhondo ex-municipal manager appointed at MLM

Msukaligwa Local Council appointed Maqhawe Kunene as the Municipal Manager at the Special Council meeting held on 12 August, 2022. The appointment is in terms of section 54A of the Municipal Systems Act, Act 32 of 2000 as amended, on a five year fixed term contract of employment which is performance based, after a punctilious selection processes by the municipality. Executive Mayor, Cllr MP Nkosi, welcomed Kunene on Monday, 15 August 2022, on behalf of Council and wishes him all best. The Executive Mayor assures the community of Msukaligwa that Kunene is a person of high moral integrity.

“We pride ourselves with his appointment and believe he will serve the municipality and community at large with humility and vigour.”

Maqhawe Kunene matriculated in Cefups Academy in 1998, he passed with exemption, subsequent to his matriculation, he enrolled for Bachelor of Science degree and a Bachelor of Science Honours degree in the University of Zululand and both obtained in 2001 and 2002 respectively. He further enrolled for additional courses as part of sharpening his knowledge in Human Resources, and obtained a diploma in Human Recourse Management, as well as a Certificate Program in Executive Management Development for Municipal Finance (CPMD). He is a holder of Master in Business Administration degree from Regent Business School. He also obtained short courses in Labour Relations, Nyukela Public Service SMS Pre-entry Programme, SAMTRAC Certificate and Certificate Programme in Municipal Finance. Kunene worked at the Transnet Freight Rail in Ermelo as Train Driver and Train Assistant for three years nine months, as a Fleet and Auxiliary Manager for three years, as well as Human Capital Manager for two years.

Kunene is not new to local government, as he first worked at Gert Sibande District Municipality as General Manager for Community and Social Service, responsible for provision of efficient and effective Social Development Service, which includes Disaster Management, Transversal Programme and Sports, Culture and Recreation as well as Municipal Health in the entire Gert Sibande District Municipal area. The position he served with distinction from 2013 to 2017.

He was later appointed as Municipal Manager in Mkhondo Local Municipality, responsible and accountable for the management of the municipality, ensuring basic service are delivered to the communities in a sustainable manner. He was also responsible for the implementation of the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and advising Council and Political Office Bearer. He served Mkhondo Local Municipality from 2017 until his contract come to an end in 2022.

Kunene is a visionary, challenge driven, successful leader in both work and community arenas. He is natural and persuasive communicator, recognized among colleagues for a keen ability to energize and inspire individuals to work towards achieving common goal. He excels in creating consensus among diverse groups, and he is fully committed to the creation of better life for all.

- Content as per Msukaligwa Local Municipality