Noticeable progress in the appointment of Municipal Managers
The Eastern Cape Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) is making noticeable progress in the appointment of Municipal Managers (MM) and senior managers directly reporting to MMs in municipalities.
The total number of approved posts as per the approved organisational structures of municipalities in the Eastern Cape Province is 274. Of this number a total of 244 senior manager posts are currently filled, constituting 89%. Currently the vacancy rate in the Province stands at 30 posts therefore 11%.
The recruitment processes for five (5) vacant MM posts in OR Tambo District Municipality, Port St Johns, Great Kei, Makana and King Sabatha Dalindyebo local municipalities have been advertised. In the case of Nkonkobe local municipality no advertisement has been issued.
“We are on track to implement the policy pronouncements of our department to strengthen the administration of our municipalities for effective and sustained services delivery. Out of 39 MM posts filled, three are females in Ntabankulu, Nyandeni and Lukhanji municipalities,” said MEC FD Xasa.
With regards to the filling of posts for the Chief Financial Officers (CFOs), out of 45 approved posts, there are only five (5) vacant. The Breakdown is as follows;
- In Mnquma, the recruitment process for a CFO was not compliant and the municipality was advised to re-advertise.
- In Kouga, the recruitment processes is underway with the short-listing and interviews having been completed.
- In Makana, the recruitment process was not compliant and post was re-advertised and the short-listing and interviews processes finalised.
- In Tsolwana and Gariep municipalities the recruitment processes have been put on hold pending amalgamation process.
“The building of strong municipal administrative systems is of utmost importance to lay the basis for good governance, service delivery and sustainability. Our active involvement in the recruitment processes to fill vacant critical posts in our municipalities, remains firmly on course,” said MEC Xasa.
He added that the Municipal Systems Amendment Act, Act No. 7 of 2011 brought along with it a number of the changes in the recruitment landscape and appointments of MMs and managers directly accountable to them.
In cases where there is non-compliance with the stipulations of the Act, the MEC has advised the municipality to re-advertise the post. In other instances, he has refused to concur with the appointment.
MEC Xasa said the submission of the Recruitment Report by some municipalities outside the fourteen (14) day stipulated period, sometimes months after the person has assumed duties, is a “cause for serious concern”.
“In turn, within 14 days after receipt of the recruitment information, I must submit a copy to Minister Pravin Gordhan. The issue of non-submission of recruitment reports in violation of the prescripts of the Act is unacceptable at it causes unnecessary delays and in the recruitment process,” he said.
Enquiries:
Mamnkeli Ngam
Cell: 071 685 7981
