New municipal employees hired as jobs-for-pals?

In a day and age where unemployment is on the increase, jobs are in high demand.

January 31, 2019

Tersia Gopi 1 minute read

According to a reliable source known to the Newcastle Advertiser, 25 people were employed as general workers by the Newcastle Municipality on January 14. The source claims these posts were not officially advertised.

He says the municipality recruited these workers without even conducting interviews:

“Each of these workers is now contractually employed.”

The Municipal Systems Act of 2000 Section 67 (1) indicates; a municipality in accordance with the Employment Equity Act 1991, must develop and adopt appropriate systems and procedures to ensure fair, efficient, effective and transparent personnel administration, including:

(a) the recruitment, selection and appointment of persons as staff members. In relation to the allegations made, the municipality has failed to comply with the Act.

The municipality’s Communication Department was sent questions in an attempt to confirm the validity of the claims. These remain unanswered for over two weeks.

What policies and procedures does the municipality follow in the recruitment process?

No response.

Is this type of behaviour, if true, lawful in terms of the Employment Equity Act?

No response.

Can the municipality confirm if the newly appointed employees are on contractual terms?

No response.

The subject remains the topic of discussion on social media, with residents now questioning the integrity of the municipality.