LIMPOPO – Yolandé Coetzee, Democratic Alliance (DA) ward councillor, claimed that this causes the municipality to survive without key officials.
Coetzee said the municipality is operating without a chief financial officer, technical manager and corporate manager.
“These positions are vacant since the acting period of these positions lapsed in August and September. Plans to fill these critical positions on a permanent basis are currently being delayed due to political interference and ANC infighting within the municipality. The position in the technical and development services department has been vacant for more than two years, that is since February 2015, with several individuals being appointed on a temporary basis. No contractors can be appointed or paid and this has halted the delivery of much-needed basic services for our people. The municipal council continues to delay the appointment of the acting managers in order to accelerate the services, due to political infighting and cadre deployment within the ANC,” she said.
According to Coetzee more than seven council meetings to finalise the appointment of these managers have been cancelled over the past six months while crucial portfolio meetings are also not being called. “Since December 2014, the municipality has appointed several acting municipal managers without following the correct procedures.” The inconsistent running of the municipality has derailed effective service delivery for the past three years, Coetzee emphasised. “The delay and political infighting can no longer be tolerated at the expense of the people, especially the poor.” The DA has written to the Speaker, Samuel Mathebula, to call an urgent council meeting to debate and finalise the appointment of these managers with immediate effect. “Should the Speaker fail to convene this meeting we will be forced to take further action to ensure the Mogalakwena Municipality works for the people.”
The Head of Communication, Malesela Selokela, said the positions were advertised two weeks ago. “It is a process to go through the applications and shortlist the qualified applicants,” he explained. By the time of going to print no comment had been received despite attempts by Bosveld to reach ANC Spokesperson, Zizi Kodwa.
redaksie.bosvelder@nmgroup.co.za
