The DA in the Limpopo legislature has submitted questions for written response to the MEC for CoGHSTA on the unacceptable vacancy rate of senior positions in municipalities.
The recent performance reports Quarter 4 of the 2023/24 Annual Audited as well as Quarter 1 2024/2025 highlights the vacancies of senior managers.
Only 131 out of 172 positions are filled.
Limpopo has not been able to fill 100% of municipal managerial positions over the last 5 years.
Municipalities with key vacancies include:
- Municipal manager – Lephalale Local Municipality
- Chief Financial Officer – Capricorn District, Blouberg, Makhuduthamaga and Thabazimbi Local Municipalities
- Technical vacancies – Makhado, Blouberg, Lepelle Nkumpi, Molemole, Elias Motsoaledi, Lephalale, Modimolle-Mookgopong, Thabazimbi Local municipalities and Capricorn and Waterberg Districts
There are further 8 municipalities with vacancies in planning department and 5 municipalities with vacancies in community departments.
It is concerning that 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.
The inability of municipalities to fill key vacancies further casts doubt on whether appointed municipal officials possess the minimum required qualifications and experience.
Financial sustainability of our municipalities is a growing concern;10 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.
According to the Minister of COGTA, Velenkosini Hlabisia, in response to a DA parliamentary question, Limpopo province conducts district quarterly performance assessments for dysfunctional municipalities and all other municipalities.
This 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 to make recommendations that will benefit all communities.