Flamboyant Makana Municipal spokesperson, Thandy Matebese is leaving the institution at the end of this month. Matebese has resigned from the municipality after serving them for more than five years.
Flamboyant Makana Municipal spokesperson, Thandy Matebese is leaving the institution at the end of this month. Matebese has resigned from the municipality after serving them for more than five years.
"I grew up here and studied here up to Matric, so I can't say I'm excited about leaving home," he said.
He said that the time spent as Head of Communications in the council has given him tremendous experience.
"I have learnt a lot from the three mayors that I served under, and the four municipal managers that I have worked with − especially Ms Ntombi Baart," he said.
He praised the suspended municipal manager for teaching him about administration in local government.
"She is a proper administrator, I have learnt a lot from her. It's a pity she will not see me go because she contributed a lot to who I am today.”
Born for the job
Matebese strongly believes that he would never have secured the job in Makana if it were not for the ANC government.
"Growing up, I [would]have never thought I would work at the City Hall, I [would]have never thought I would set my foot here because we associated with the prison or court but today because of the ANC government people like me can come to the city hall and work here. Even my forefathers would be proud that I worked at the municipality," he said.
Years ago, when he saw a spokesperson for the municipality on television, he said to his friend, “That is my job." He noted that the municipality needs someone from Grahamstown, and a few years later he applied for the job and got it.
"For me it was not just about the job; I felt very good about contributing to my own town. I am planning to come back though if an opportunity arises, but as a director not as a spokesperson," he said.
Communication problems
Although there have been complaints about him not doing his job properly he defended the communications division, saying they cannot be blamed for everything that happens in the municipality.
Matebese states: "The media is the mirror of what happens in the municipality, so what happens cannot be pinned down to one section. If street lights are not working, you cannot say Communications Division failed, we depend on what other people in other divisions do; we need to be made aware of these things − we are not witchdoctors.”
Matebese adds that he wishes the matter of changing Grahamstown’s name would be settled.
"We need to get a name that all of us can be proud to be associated with and this issue is really close to my heart."
He will not divulge any information about where he is heading to, but noted that it is still in government communications.
"Out of respect for my employers I will not say where I am going, I will wait for them to make the announcement."
Although he arrived at a critical time when he began his job post at the municipality, Matebese became used to the political environment.
He says, "When I came here I was from the SABC and never worked in a political environment and I arrived at a very tough time, it was a baptism of fire [sic]. With an experience like that I could even go national.”
