IMATU DISAPPOINTED BY POOR RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION IN MUNICIPALITIES

The Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union (IMATU) is very disappointed to learn that in spite of being convicted of financial misconduct eight years ago, Zingisile Buyana is now serving as a Senior Manager at the King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality.

The former Nyandeni Municipal Manager was found guilty of fraud after it was proved that he ciphered R500 000.00 from the municipality. According to the 2011 Municipal Systems Amendment Act, Section 57A clearly states that ‘a staff member dismissed for financial misconduct offence may not be reemployed in any municipality for a period of 10 years’.

“This is an example of poor adherence to recruitment and selection processes within our municipalities. IMATU shop stewards wrote to King Sabata Dalindyebo municipal management informing them that this position was not reflected in the municipality’s organogram and that due process was not being followed. Despite warnings, municipal management went on to effectively create this position and then employ a convicted fraudster. Not only does this incompetent action have the potential to negatively affect municipal workers, but public confidence is undermined,” explained IMATU General Secretary, Johan Koen.

IMATU has repeatedly raised the serious concerns of poor recruitment and selection processes, lack of skills and poor management of the supply chain with both the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) and the officials of the South African Local Government Association (SALGA).

“We made it clear throughout the entire wage negotiation process that these challenges must be urgently addressed at all levels within local, district and metropolitan municipalities in order to ensure a functional local government sector. While IMATU is committed to working towards achieving an efficient and sustainable service delivery model, Government must adopt and implement a nationally acceptable recruitment and selection policy to ensure an end to nepotism and corruption,” explained Koen.