Months after the City of Johannesburg assured residents that the recruitment of a permanent regional director for Region A was in its ‘closing stages,’ the post is allegedly still vacant, leaving the region under acting leadership.

The position has been unfilled for more than six months, raising frustrations from residents and Ward 132 councillor Annette Deppe, who said the leadership gap has worsened service delivery problems in Midrand and surrounding areas.

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Deppe has been among the most vocal critics, warning earlier this year that the absence of a dedicated director was creating what she called a ‘leadership crisis.’

In response to media queries in July, city spokesperson Nthatisi Modingoane insisted that the appointment process was nearing completion.

“The recruitment process for the appointment of a permanent regional director for Region A is at its closing stages, and the appointment should be made soon,” he said at the time.

However, months later, no announcement has been made, and the acting regional director continues to juggle duties across both Region A and Region E.

The city previously conceded the arrangement was ‘not ideal’ but said senior managers in regions A, E, and the Group Communication and Relations Unit were assisting to ensure operations continued smoothly.

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Modingoane said to address accountability concerns, the city has put in place systems such as physical and online platforms for escalating complaints, as well as the establishment of a ‘War Room’ where senior managers from service entities meet to fast-track responses.

Modingoane maintained that Johannesburg remained ‘committed to servicing all citizens.’ On October 1, Fourways Review again followed up with Modingoane for clarity on why the appointment had been delayed, but he did not respond by the deadline.

These are the questions posed to him:

• Could you please confirm whether the regional director has still not been appointed, and if so, explain the reasons for the delay?
• When can residents expect the appointment to be finalised?

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