Polokwane, South Africa– Mayor John Mpe has strongly defended the appointment of Zimbabwean national Kennedy Chihota as the city’s new Director of Water and Sanitation, insisting the decision was based on merit amid political backlash.
Why the Controversy?
The hiring of a foreign national for a critical municipal role has drawn sharp criticism from parties like the EFF and ActionSA, who argue that locals should fill key positions—especially as residents endure persistent water shortages in areas like Seshego and Mankweng.
But Mayor Mpe, speaking at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, emphasized Chihota’s extensive qualifications and experience, calling him the best candidate to tackle Polokwane’s water backlogs.
Chihota’s Credentials
– Education: Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering (University of Zimbabwe) and four Master’s degrees—including Water Resources Management, Business Administration, and Engineering (from Wits and Stellenbosch).
– Experience: Former Senior Lecturer (University of Limpopo), held leadership roles at Johannesburg Water, Ekurhuleni Water Care Company, and Cape Town’s water services.
– Professional Registration: Certified by the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA).
“This isn’t experimentation—it’s about delivery,” Mpe stated, acknowledging past tenders awarded to foreigners but stressing Chihota’s expertise as non-negotiable.
Behind the Backlash
– Political Opposition: Critics argue the job should prioritize unemployed South African engineers.
– Internal Tensions: Reports suggest clashes between the City Manager and councillors over hiring processes and budget allocations.
What’s Next?
With Polokwane’s water crisis unresolved, all eyes will be on whether Chihota’s appointment leads to tangible improvements—or fuels further debate over foreign expertise in local governance.