MBOMBELA – Municipal managers (MM) who don’t meet the minimum competency levels required for their positions have been given until September 30 by National Treasury to comply.
MEC for cooperative governance and traditional affairs, Ms Refilwe Mtsweni recently explained in written answers to the DA’s Mr Bosman Grobler that only eight out of the 21 MMs in Mpumalanga met the requirements stipulated in Section 83 of the Municipal Finance Management Act.
In Ehlanzeni District Municipality, Mr Hugh Mbatha has an LLB degree and complies with all other requirements. But his colleagues in local municipalities do not.
- Click here to read how qualified municipal managers were in 2013.
Mbombela manager, Mr Noko Seanego has a degree in business administration and an MBA. Mr Pat Msibi, Umjindi MM, holds a master’s degree in town and regional planning. Nkomazi MM, Mr Dan Ngwenya holds an LLB and an advanced diploma in labour relations, and Bushbuckridge MM, Mr Canzi Lisa holds a master’s in development and planning. But they are indicated as “not yet competent” by the department.
Their academic qualifications give them all an NQF level of at least six as required, but they must also meet work-related experience or the required minimum competency in prescribed areas.
The department’s response lists the former acting MM in Thaba Chweu, Mr Surprise Maebela, as the incumbent. The position is currently held by Ms Adelaide Monyepao, whose competency level is not indicated in the department’s response.
Grobler says, “The managers don’t meet the minimum requirements. It is worrisome if the people who are responsible for the delivery of services and making decisions are not appointed according to their qualifications.”
The municipalities did not respond to a request for comment.
