Durban - Mhlathuze Water announced on Monday that the board has appointed a new interim chief executive, Dr Simo Lushaba, effective from Monday, September 5.
The appointment of of Dr Lushaba follows the suspension of Mhlathuze Water chief executive Mthokozisi Duze, and Mhlathuze chief financial officer Babongile Mnyandu.
Mhlathuze Water Board chairperson Thabi Shange said Lushaba has experience in the public and private sectors.
“Over his illustrious career, Dr Lushaba has served in various leadership capacities including as chief executive and managing director of Rand Water. He has a solid track record in the areas of business and corporate strategy, risk governance and value creation. Dr Lushaba has led as an executive director, non-executive director, and non-executive chairman in various sectors including state-owned entities, municipal owned entities, and privately-owned companies.”
Shange added that Lushaba assumes leadership of the organisation at a critical time when the delivery of infrastructure projects for the benefit of communities in northern KwaZulu-Natal was a priority on Mhlathuze Water’s agenda.
She said among his qualifications, Lushaba holds a BSc (Honours) in Advanced Biochemistry, a Master of Business Administration and a Doctor of Business Administration.
“Dr Lushaba will bring much needed stability to Mhlathuze Water. We have faith in his ability to guide the organisation as we pursue our mandate of hastening the delivery of water to communities and industries in northern KwaZulu-Natal.”
Shange thanked Swaswa Ntlhoro, who has been the acting chief executive at the water utility since December 2021.
Duze and Mnyandu, who have been on suspension since 2021, are facing charges of fraud and corruption.
Mnyandu was granted bail at an amount of R60 000 last week with a condition that she doesn’t contact any witnesses or the board of directors at Mhlatuze and is expected back in court on December 6.
Duze will be back at the Durban Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Tuesday for a decision on his bail application.