Unfilled senior position in Limpopo municipalities a cause for concern

LIMPOPO – The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Limpopo has expressed concerns over the vacant senior positions in Limpopo municipalities.

The DA announced that it has submitted questions for a written response to the MEC for CoGHSTA, Basikopo Makamu, about the unacceptable vacancy rate.

According to the party, the recent performance reports in the fourth quarter of the 2023/2024 as well as the first quarter of the 2024/2025 financial periods highlight the vacancies.

Lindy Wilson, DA Limpopo Provincial spokesperson for CoGHSTA, said only 131 of the 172 positions are filled.

Wilson indicated that the province has not been able to fill 100% of municipal managerial positions over the past five years.

“It is concerning that the municipalities lack the financial or human resources, skills or capacity to fill these vacancies as there is a direct correlation between effective, professional management and service delivery,” stated Wilson.

She pointed out that the inability of municipalities to fill key vacancies further casts doubt on whether appointed municipal officials posses the minimum required qualifications and experience.

“Financial sustainability of our municipalities is a growing concern. Ten municipalities are either bankrupt, insolvent or solvent but unable to pay creditors. All municipalities are struggling with wastewater management and water provision to communities, a growing challenge which is unconstitutional and in some cases criminal,” averred Wilson.

She highlighted that according to Minister of COGTA, Velenkosini Hlabisa, in a response to a DA parliamentary question, Limpopo province conducts district quarterly performance assessments for dysfunctional municipalities and all other municipalities.

“The intervention falls short to address the scale of the multiple challenges faced by municipalities. The DA will request these quarterly assessments by CoGHSTA at the next portfolio committee meeting to gauge the level of engagement by the department and make recommendations that will benefit all communities,” remarked Wilson.

She informed that the municipalities with key vacancies include, Lephalale Local Municipality for the position of Municipal Manager, Capricorn District Municipality, Blouberg, Makhuduthamaga, Thabazimbi local municipalities for positions of Chief Financial Officers, Makhado, Blouberg, Lepelle Nkumpi, Molemole, Elias Motsoaledi, Lephalale, Modimolle-Mookgophong, Thabazimbi local municipalities and Capricorn and Waterberg district municipalities for technical vacancies.

Wilson added that there are eight municipalities with vacancies in the planning department and five with vacancies in community services departments.