Enoch Mgijima appoints new Municipal Manager, IPED Director

Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality (EMLM) has appointed Andile Sihlahla as its new Municipal Manager, filling the municipality’s top administrative position after a period under acting leadership.

The appointment was approved during a Council meeting held on Wednesday morning, 30 September 2026, according to a statement issued by municipal spokesperson Lonwabo Kowa.

Council also appointed Tshepang Mnyande as the municipality’s new Director for Integrated Planning and Economic Development (IPED).

Both appointments take effect from Thursday, 1 October 2026.

Sihlahla takes over from Chief Operations Officer Aphiwe Mkhangelwa, who has been serving as Acting Municipal Manager following the departure of former Municipal Manager Ayakha Ntengenyane.

Sihlahla is not new to Enoch Mgijima. According to the municipality, he has most recently been serving as an advisor in the Office of the Executive Mayor.

His appointment brings an end to the municipality’s period without a permanent Municipal Manager and places him at the administrative head of EMLM.

Sihlahla has previously been linked to the municipality’s Municipal Manager recruitment process. In 2017, he was among five candidates shortlisted for the position during an earlier recruitment process. At the time, the Daily Dispatch reported that he had received 11 competency ratings out of 12 during an assessment conducted as part of that process.

Meanwhile, Mnyande will take over the IPED portfolio following the death of former director Khulile Maceba in June.

Nontsikelelo Mani has been serving as Acting Director for IPED since the position became vacant.

Mnyande is currently Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality’s Risk Manager and will now move into the senior management position responsible for the municipality’s integrated planning and economic development portfolio.

The two appointments fill key senior management positions within the municipality at the same time.

In its statement, EMLM said Sihlahla brings knowledge and experience to his new position, while Council wished both officials well as they prepare to assume their new responsibilities.

The appointments come into effect immediately from 1 October.