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The flawed processes and procedures of staff appointments conducted by the ANC-led Dihlabeng Local Municipality is tarnishing the municipality's image, with speculations of ghost workers among other concerns.

The Municipal Manager holds the responsibility of overseeing the appointment processes for vacant positions. Simultaneously, the Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Services must provide joint oversight, specifically concerning personnel matters, to facilitate and monitor the appointment procedures effectively.

Unfortunately, political motives often override transparent appointment processes, leading to political cadre appointments and prioritising ANC loyalty over quality applications. This situation has persisted, resulting in crucial positions being filled without the knowledge or involvement of the portfolio committee, and essential internal procedures being disregarded. Equal opportunities, such as placing advertisements, have been neglected deliberately.

The municipality's actions have dire consequences. Many temporary workers were recently laid off, despite having been employed for more than a year. This unjust termination puts the municipality at risk of legal consequences, with the South African Local Government Bargaining Council (SALGBC) preparing to table a compliance ruling under Section 8.7 of the Collective Agreement of the Free State and Northern Cape Division, Circular no. 1/2016. Potential charges of maladministration under the Labour Relations Act 1995 (Act 66 of 1995) and violations of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, 1997 (Act 75 of 1997), loom large.

Despite the DA's prior warnings during the 2023/2024 Budget tabling, where it was emphasised that the budget lacked funding and did not meet necessary criteria, it was approved by the majority of ANC council members. As a result, the municipality faces a severe cash flow crisis, and its fiscal basket is overspent.

We will hold the Executive Mayor, ANC council members, and Mayoral committees accountable for their actions. We will work to address the violations of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act and seek solutions to improve the municipality's financial situation. Our goal is to ensure responsible budgeting, and safeguarding the community's well-being. The DA is committed to bringing change across the country and therefore urges all residents to register to vote in the 2024 National and Provincial Government elections.

Issued by Hilton Maasdorp - DA Councillor Dihlabeng Local Municipality