Sunday Tribune reports that the eThekwini Municipality’s new acting head of audit, risk and assurance services is allegedly not suitably qualified for the position.  

Well-placed sources say Ronald Machumi, 47, was only appointed because he is “pals” with city manager Sipho Nzuza, who adjusted the requirements so that his friend could land the job - an allegation that Nzuza denies.  In his position, which commenced on 1 August, Machumi reports to Nzuza.  Nzuza said the allegations that he had a hand in Machumi’s appointment were made by people who were wary of Machumi’s impressive record as an auditor because they were involved in corrupt activities.  Nzuza confirmed working with Machumi in Cape Town previously, but said he had told the municipality of this when the shortlisting for the position was announced.  He said he did not ask Machumi to apply for the position and was not part of the interview panel.  However, an unnamed city source claimed that more suitable candidates for the position were overlooked.  The source claimed that the previous head of the city’s audit unit that watched over the entity’s annual budget of more than R45 billion held a Master's in Business Administration (MBA) in accounting and auditing and was well recognised in auditing circles.  Machumi holds a degree in accounting and auditing.  "Based on his experience, Mr Machumi was the most suitable candidate,” said a eThekwini municipality spokesperson.

• Read this report by Nabeelah Shaikh in full at Sunday Tribune

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