Polokwane Municipality in South Africa has come under public scrutiny following its appointment of Zimbabwean engineer Kennedy Chihota as Director of Water and Sanitation. In response, Mayor John Mpe issued a strong defence of the decision, asserting that Chihota’s recruitment was based strictly on professional merit and qualifications, not nationality or political considerations. The mayor emphasized the city’s commitment to service excellence, stating that skills and expertise remain the key criteria in selecting officials for critical infrastructure roles.

Chihota brings an extensive academic and professional background to the position. He holds five tertiary degrees, including a Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering from the University of Zimbabwe and multiple Master’s degrees in engineering, business administration, property development, and water resources management. His qualifications span institutions such as the University of Stellenbosch and the University of Zimbabwe, underscoring his multidisciplinary expertise in infrastructure development and municipal services.

While critics have questioned the hiring of a foreign national, the municipality maintains that Chihota’s track record and academic depth make him a strategic asset in addressing Polokwane’s water and sanitation challenges. With service delivery high on the agenda, officials argue that the appointment reflects a broader push for operational excellence, regardless of origin.

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