Govan Mbeki Municipality is accused of overpaying its senior managers, breaching the remuneration framework since 2022.
The mayor, Nhlakanipho Zuma told the media that they saw a statement about a cash-strapped municipality overpaying its senior management.
“It is a very sensitive matter and needs to be treated with care.”
Zuma said although a mayor has the power to negotiate a salary package with the municipal manager, there is a national framework to follow. Negotiations can also only take place after the council has resolved on the appointment of a recommended candidate.
This then gives the municipal manager the authority to deal with the negotiation of salary packages for managers because they have to report to him.
The mayor explained managers are paid according to their qualifications and experience. A test by an independent body then determines if the candidate is suitable for the position, checking on competency and if a candidate is advanced.
“We have to compile a report with all the relevant documents from shortlisting until the candidate’s appointment process, which we then have to submit to the Cogta MEC for consideration and further concurrence,” said Zuma.
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Zuma said the municipality can motivate why an appointed manager’s salary should be higher than the standard entry level of the framework, but then the municipality must apply to the minister of co-operative governance and traditional affairs for permission.
According to Zuma, GMM is one of the top four municipalities in Mpumalanga in terms of its size and economy and it needs suitably qualified people, yet remuneration packages are lower.
“We have lost three senior managers to other municipalities because of our offers. Recently we lost our CFO and our director in planning and development. We have also received a resignation letter from the director of community services.
“This indicates that we are not paying well enough,” said Zuma.
