Acting municipal manager appointed after Dr AB Xuma council meeting

The Dr AB Xuma Local Municipality has placed its Municipal Manager on precautionary suspension and appointed an acting head, following allegations that prompted a special council meeting on Tuesday.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the municipality said council met on 18 August 2026 to consider “calls for the immediate removal of the Municipal Manager, arising from various allegations that have been raised.”

Council decisions
After deliberations, council resolved to:
1. Place the Municipal Manager on precautionary suspension* pending a thorough investigation into the allegations. The municipality said the step was taken “to ensure that the matter is properly investigated while protecting the integrity of the process.”
2. Appoint Mr Simphiwe Malongwe* as Acting Municipal Manager with immediate effect. Mr Malongwe was previously the Director for Integrated Planning and Economic Development (IPED) at the municipality.

The municipality confirmed that the Acting Municipal Manager has already assumed duties.

Services “restored”
According to the statement, the decisions are aimed at “restoring stability and strengthening good governance” while ensuring the municipality remains focused on service delivery.

“The Municipality is pleased to confirm that normal Municipal operations have been restored. Essential municipal services and administrative functions continue and economic activity can proceed without disruption,” the statement read.

The municipality has appealed to residents and stakeholders to “remain calm and allow the relevant processes to be concluded.”

It added that further updates will be provided “where appropriate, while respecting the applicable legal and administrative processes.”

The name of the suspended Municipal Manager and details of the allegations have not been released by the municipality.