The newly appointed Heads of Departments (HODs) in the Mangaung Metro Municipality are expected to hit the ground running in a metro that has been in a chaotic state for a while.

Municipal Manager Sello More, who was recently brought back to the helm of the metro's operations as its MM, introduced newly appointed HODs to the media and public in the metro’s headquarters.

Itumeleng Masobeng was announced as the metro’s HOD for Technical Services, Dr Thabang Thinda will head Community Services, Nokuthula Chakane will head the metro’s Planning, Economic & Rural Development and Human Settlements. Former Free State government and former Arts and Culture HOD, Mokete Duma, will take charge of Mangaung’s Corporate Services and Israel Kgamanyane is the HOD for Public Safety and Security.

More said he strongly believes this is a team that will take the metro forward with its good and relevant qualifications.

“I will not pronounce or make announcements in terms of where we want to take the metro. But we are saying that we won’t be sleeping, or drinking, and there won’t be relaxation. We have to take this metro from the bottom, where it is.”

More said the metro will work with various stakeholders to restore the city to its former glory. This includes sourcing funding and capacitating the city. He disclosed that a person they had approached for the CFO position had declined their offer and the metro now has to undertake a recruitment process for the CFO position.

The surprise return of More, who was voted out during a motion of no confidence in the council in 2021, was announced on Thursday (19/10).

Meanwhile, the ANC’s Mangaung region has welcomed appointments of HODs and said it will strengthen and resolve challenges within the municipality.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi CG