Limpopo govt run with ‘skeleton staff’
THE health department is now running at almost half of its required staff complement.
LIMPOPO – THE health department is now running at almost half of its required staff complement.
The province is currently the most vacant provincial administration in the country, with almost a third of the public service vacancies unfilled at 30,13 %. This figure came to light during a presentation to the national parliament’s portfolio committee on public Service and administration (DPSA) last week. The province’s overall vacancy rate has increased from 6,74% in April 2014 to 30,13% in January 2015.
Two key departments seem to be worst hit: health (45,01%) and social development (33,79%).
The last vacancy circular posted on the health department’s website was in September last year, with a total of 294 positions advertised. Included in the vacancy list is the head of the Polokwane Welfare Complex and managers in the anti-fraud and corruption units as well as that of financial planning, budgeting, risk management and information technology.
According to a source in the department, the filling of managerial positions was put on the back burner in an effort to save costs, while essential services and entry level positions were being prioritised.
Health spokesperson, Max Lesufi, was in a meeting at the time of going to print and thus unable to comment.
A quick look at national newspapers of the last few weeks showed a number of positions advertised in other departments, including public works, provincial government and agriculture.
The DA Limpopo has, through a press release, described the increase in vacancy rate as “unprecedented”, saying it is unacceptable that provincial departments drag their feet in making appointments. According to DA Limpopo leader, Jacques Smalle, some departments take on average three years to fill a post, contrary to the national requirement of six months.
“The DA will submit written questions to uncover what positions remain vacant, and we will call for an urgent debate on the matter in the provincial legislature,” Smalle said. He added that the premier, Stanley Mathabatha’s high level development plan for Limpopo “is merely a dream without the staff to implement it”.
“The high vacancy rate shows a lack of commitment to building a strong provincial government, it shows lack of planning and lack of interest in delivering to the people,” Smalle said.
Provincial government spokesperson Phuti Seloba ascribed the surge in vacancy rate to the province being put under administration in 2011.
“We are aware of the vacancy rate. Since being put under administration, the province had no money in its coffers and was struggling to service its (bank) overdraft.”
“We are aware of the vacancy rate. Since being put under administration, the province had no money in its coffers and was struggling to service its (bank) overdraft.”
According to Seloba, it was not practical at the time to fill vacancies while struggling to pay those employed as December 2011.
“The province has now fully recovered and government departments have started with the appointment process. We are not merely filling posts, but ensuring that we get the right people for the right jobs.”
The spokesperson said they have thoroughly consulted on the Limpopo Development Plan.
“We call upon all responsible residents of the province, including DA members, to join us in making a positive contribution towards improving the livelihoods of our people. For this province to move forward we need all minds and all hands on deck,” he said.
