The Knysna Municipality has appointed Bevan Ellman as new Director Corporate Services.

Mr Ellman takes on the position previously held by Mr Reggie Smit, whose contract had ended with the municipality at the end of last year. Mr Gumbi Tyelela has been acting in this position for the past two months.

The Knysna Municipal Manager said she and her staff were looking forward to working with Mr Ellman. “His experience at all levels of the municipal environment will be of great value to our organisation and will bring a new point of view on matters pertaining to his new directorate. We welcome him to Knysna and to the municipality and believe that his time here will benefit the organisation and the people it serves,” said Ms Waring.

Originally from Oudtshoorn, Mr Ellman holds a BSc degree in Information Technology (IT) and Operational Research (Stellenbosch University), an Honours degree in Public Administration (Stellenbosch) as well as management qualifications from the Graduate School of Business of the University of Cape Town and the Business School of the University of Stellenbosch.

Until his appointment in Knysna he has worked at the Hessequa Municipality in Riverdale in various positions including Head of Supply Chain Management, IT Manager and Corporate Services Manager. His most recent position was Manager: IT and Strategic Monitoring, which made him responsible for the strategic planning and monitoring of the municipality and its performance as well as compliance, operation clean audit and all reporting.

Mr Ellman said he was well aware of the responsibility of his new position and enthusiastic to take up the challenge. “I thank Council, the Mayor and her executive, and the Municipal Manager for their trust in my abilities and skills. I am committed to giving my very best not just to the organisation but to every resident in the Greater Knysna jurisdiction.”

Mr Ellman brings with him from Riversdale his wife Charmaine and two children, William, aged three and Hailey, aged one.

The Director Corporate Services is responsible for the administrative processes that ensure good governance and the achievement of Council’s strategic objectives. The Directorate incorporates the Departments of Administration, Committee Services, Estates, Human Resources, Legal Services, Property and Records Management and Public Participation.

Mr Ellman’s appointment is the second of four directorships that are expected to be filled this year. Mr Mike Maughan-Brown was appointed Director Planning and Development in January. The Director Community Services is expected to start in April. The post of Director Technical Services is currently in the recruitment process.