Buffalo City Metro’s new Municipal Manager Andile Sihlahla resumed his duties in June 2017.

Sihlahla was born in 1964 in Queenstown where he did his early schooling. He carries with him wealth of experience in various fields especially in the priority areas of the Metro. Academically he holds two distinct qualifications from the University of Fort Hare, where he graduated with BJuris and LLB degrees. He is in the process of completing a Masters of Law in Labour Law with the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University.

In terms of his expertise, he has experience directing properties, estates, legal advice and administration at Gauteng’s Ekurhuleni Metro between 2010 and 2014. Sihlahla was also the Transformation manager for Cogta in Gauteng, where he led the merger between Randfontein and Westonaria. His career in local government also includes being the Municipal Manager of Great Kei Municipality between 2007 and 2009. He has sat in various Boards including the Eastern Cape Development Corporation.

In society, he has served in various student and workers leadership positions, as part of his contribution to the broader mass movement. He was a transformation manager for the Gauteng government and a director at the Eastern Cape Development Corporation. “We are indeed privileged to have acquired the man of his calibre and we are looking forward to a productive relationship that will enhance the delivery of services to our people,” said Executive Mayor Xola Pakati.

Addressing the job opportunity challenges in the City, Sihlahla said that the City is working tirelessly to bridge the gap between the unemployed and the working class. He added that the Office of the Municipal Manager will also look into other challenges facing the City but “we need time to sit down with other stakeholders to mitigate these challenges and work together to make BCM a City to work, play and live in.”