Municipalities will be taken to court for irregular personnel appointments, says MEC Collen Maine
MEC for Local Government and Human Settlements, Collen Maine will take to court municipalities in Bokone Bophirima that do not comply with provisions of the Municipal Systems Amendment Act (MSA) of 2011 on appointment of senior municipal officials to declare such appointments null and void.
Section 54A, the MSA (as amended) allows the MEC of Local Government must within 14 days of receiving a report from a municipality on appointments of senior officials, take appropriate steps in order to enforce compliance by the municipality and this may include an application to a court for a declaratory order on the validity of the appointment, or any other legal action against the municipality.
Addressing members of the Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs yesterday in Vryburg, MEC Maine said it was high time that action be taken against municipalities that continue to contravene the provisions of the MSA (as amended) and appointment senior officials irregularly. “Whilst it is a fact that rural municipalities are unable to attract and retain skilled personnel, as a Department, we still have a responsibility to ensure that municipalities are effectively led, competent managers are appointed to key positions, and quality services are provided to communities.
MEC Maine said cases of irregular appointments varied from one municipality to another. “In most cases, municipalities contravene the Act by appointing senior managers who do not have the necessary qualifications or experience, especially in finance, supply chain management and technical services”, he said.
Enquiries:
Ben Bole
Cell: 071 566 1399
Email: msbole@nwpg.gov.za
