Michael Sutcliffe is the former

municipal manager A city manager is an official appointed as the administrative manager of a city, in a " Mayor–council government" council–manager form of city government. Local officials serving in this position are sometimes referred to as the chief e ...

A look back at Sutcliffe’s tenure
by Nondumiso Mbuyazi, ''Daily News'', 29 December 2011 of the

eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality is a metropolitan municipality created in 2000, that includes the city of Durban, South Africa and surrounding towns. eThekwini is one of the 11 districts of KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. The maj ...

(population 4 million), which includes the city of

Durban Durban ( ) ( zu, eThekwini, from meaning 'the port' also called zu, eZibubulungwini for the mountain range that terminates in the area), nicknamed ''Durbs'',Ishani ChettyCity nicknames in SA and across the worldArticle on ''news24.com'' from ...

South Africa South Africa, officially the Republic of South Africa (RSA), is the southernmost country in Africa. It is bounded to the south by of coastline that stretch along the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans; to the north by the neighbouring count ...

. He has been widely reported to be a controversial figure amongst Durbanites and has been the target of popular protest in the city. Deployed to the position in 2002 by the ruling

African National Congress The African National Congress (ANC) is a social-democratic political party in South Africa. A liberation movement known for its opposition to apartheid, it has governed the country since 1994, when the first post-apartheid election install ...

, he oversaw the municipality's successful preparations for the

2010 FIFA World Cup , image = 2010 FIFA World Cup.svg , size = 200px , caption = ''Ke Nako. (Tswana and Sotho for "It's time") Celebrate Africa's Humanity'It's time. Celebrate Africa's Humanity'' (English)''Dis tyd. Vier Afrika se mensd ...

, and was involved in controversy regarding street renamings, the loss of the city's

Blue Flag beach The Blue Flag is a certification by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) that a beach, marina, or sustainable boating tourism operator meets its standards. The Blue Flag is a trademark owned by FEE, which is a not-for-profit non- ...

status, illegally banning protests, banning posters, serious human rights abuses in the city's housing program, the failed privatisation of the city's bus system allegations of spin-doctoring, the unprofitable uShaka Marine World, threats to withdraw advertising from newspapers employing journalists critical of the municipality, lack of action against environmental destruction, favoritism toward ANC-aligned individuals and businesses - including S'bu and Shauwn Mpisane, the latter a convicted fraudster - unlawful and at times violent violations of the basic rights of street traders and shack dwellers and corruption.Hawks set to arrest top eThekwini officials
BONGANI MTHETHWA and MANDLA ZULU, ''Sunday Times'', 5 March 2011 In March 2011 the ''Sunday Times'' reported that he is under investigation for irregularities in housing contracts. Sutcliffe has denied that there has been fraud but has admitted to 'financial irregularities'. Sutcliffe formerly held the position of chairperson of the Municipal Demarcation Board and was a member of the

KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Legislature The KwaZulu-Natal Legislature is the primary legislative body of the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal. It is unicameral in its composition and elects the premier and the provincial cabinet from among the leading party or coalition members ...

. Born in Addington Hospital, in Durban, he has a

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in geography from

Ohio State University The Ohio State University, commonly called Ohio State or OSU, is a public land-grant research university in Columbus, Ohio. A member of the University System of Ohio, it has been ranked by major institutional rankings among the best pu ...

. In 2008 he received an award from the

Association of American Geographers The American Association of Geographers (AAG) is a non-profit scientific and educational society aimed at advancing the understanding, study, and importance of geography and related fields. Its headquarters is located in Washington, D.C. The ...

for distinguished public service.Association of American Geographers
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References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Sutcliffe, Michael Year of birth missing (living people) Living people People from Amanzimtoti African National Congress politicians Ohio State University Graduate School alumni