Vhembe Municipality welcomes new staff members

LIMPOPO – The Vhembe District Municipality (VDM) recently welcomed several new staff members, including the newly appointed general manager of corporate services, Thawedi Daily Maputla.

The announcement was made during a welcoming ceremony last Monday, attended by Mayor Freda Nkondo and municipal manager Zwannda Kutama at the mayor’s office.

Maputla, who succeeds Cedrick Tshikovha following his retirement, stressed the importance of legislative compliance, particularly regarding municipal staff regulations. “Compliance with legislation governing local government, including cascading performance management to all employees, is essential. Performance management is a tool to improve accountability and enhance service delivery,” said Maputla.

She also committed to maintaining high standards for the municipality’s corporate image, promoting labour relations, and prioritising employee wellness. “Healthy and happy employees are productive employees. We will ensure work ethics remain exemplary across the board,” Maputla added.

Alongside Maputla, new staff members, including graphic designer Xiluva Ngobeni and public participation officer Richard Mahwai, were also welcomed. The mayor expressed her gratitude, noting that filling critical positions is a priority for the municipality.

“We are pleased to have Ms Maputla lead the corporate services department, a crucial role in ensuring the smooth functioning of our administrative operations. Her extensive experience in human resource management is a valuable asset,” Nkondo said, acknowledging the diversity of the municipality’s workforce, encouraging teamwork and inclusivity. “You will be leading a team with individuals of diverse cultures, religions, and beliefs. We are confident that your leadership will help us achieve our goals.”

Meanwhile, the DA in Limpopo raised concern about vacant senior positions in the province’s municipalities, which they argue are hindering service delivery. DA provincial spokesperson for cooperative governance, human settlements, and traditional affairs (CoGHSTA), Lindy Wilson, criticised the high vacancy rate.

“Only 131 out of 172 senior positions are currently filled, according to the most recent performance reports. The inability to fill these roles over the past five years has contributed to ongoing challenges, particularly in wastewater management and water provision,” Wilson said.

Wilson highlighted that the DA has submitted questions to the MEC for CoGHSTA, seeking accountability for the delays in filling key positions. “Unfilled positions impact service delivery, and in some cases, these challenges are unconstitutional and even criminal,” she concluded.