The Eastern Cape High Court orders the reinstatement of municipal manager Mluleki Fihlani, ruling that the Port St Johns Municipality’s handling of the matter is unlawful. The court criticises the municipality’s conduct, describing it as a significant disregard for the rule of law. The decision reinstates Fihlani to his position as municipal manager, indicating that the municipality’s earlier actions did not comply with legal requirements. The ruling effectively reverses the municipality’s prior decision related to Fihlani’s role. While the available report focuses on the court’s findings regarding unlawfulness and the municipality’s approach, it does not provide further procedural detail, such as the specific reasons initially given by the municipality or whether it sought to challenge the judgment. The outcome means the municipality must comply with the court order and restore Fihlani to the post, unless further legal steps are taken following the judgment. The report frames the decision as both a remedy for the affected individual and a reaffirmation of legal standards governing municipal actions.