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The phenomenon of state institutions appointing acting Heads of Department rather than permanent ones is one of the key breakdown points in government's ability to deliver proper services to South Africans. A snap survey by the Democratic Alliance (DA) shows that four major state enterprises, three state institutions and four national state departments are headed by executives in acting capacities - often for lengthily periods. The current situation must be addressed if we are to bring an end to the days of paralysed, rudderless and largely bankrupted government departments and state institutions.

President Zuma must make it one of his most urgent priorities to bring to an end the phenomenon of acting appointments, and ensure that his administration selects appropriately skilled and competent staff on a full time basis to head these state bodies.

The current situation is particularly concerning because of the effect it has in terms of diverting funds towards salaries, and away from service delivery. In the case of former National Police Commissioner Jackie Selebi, for instance, taxpayers have seen about R1.5-million spent on his salary during his period of suspension - in addition to the similar salary handed to acting Commissioner Tim Williams. All the while, the Police has lacked clear direction or a cohesive crime combating strategy.

In other cases, Departments appear incapable of ever appointing a permanent head. The Department of Labour, for instance, appointed one acting Director-General to replace another acting Director-General. The Independent Complaints Directorate did the same.

President Zuma said in his state of the nation address that his administration would "insist on putting people first in service delivery", and that South Africans ought to expect "courteous and efficient service from front-counter staff in the provision of services in all government departments". Yet these ambitions can never be fulfilled if major state institutions and departments continue to be led by acting chief executives or directors-general.

Below is a table setting out the name of just a few of those state entities reviewed in our snap survey, which currently have acting heads.

a. NAME OF STATE ENTITY

b. NAME OF ACTING HEAD

c. YEAR OF COMMENCEMENT

d. REASON FORMER INCUMBENT LEFT

a. South African Airways (SAA)

b. Chris Smyth

c. February 2009

d. Khaya Ngqula's contract was not renewed and he left amid allegations of tender irregularities

a. South African Broadcsting Corporation (SABC)

b. Gabriel Mampone

c. May 2008

d. Dali Mpofu was fired by the SABC Board

a. Transnet

b. Chris Wells

c. March 2009

d. Maria Ramos was appointed to ABSA

a. Denel

b. Talib Sadik

c. June 2008

d. Chris Liebenberg resigned to pursue other business interest

a. Secretary of Parliament

b. Michael Coetzee

c. March 2009

d. Mr. Dingani is suspended pending investigation on his conduct with the functioning of parliament

a. National Director of Public Prosecutions

b. Mokotedi Mpshe

c. September 2007

d. Vusi Pikoli was sacked by President Mbeki before he arrested Mr. Selebi

a. South African Police Service National Commissioner

b. Timothy Williams

c. January 2008

d. Jackie Selebi was suspended amid of allegations of corruption

a. Department of Communication

b. Ms Gerda Grabe

c. February 2009

d. Lyndall Shope-Mafole left to pursue other political interests

a. Department of Defence

b. Mr. T.E Motome

d. Can't establish

a. Department of Labour

b. Mr Sam Morotoba (Replaces Mr. Kettledas who acted since December 2007)

c. May 2009 (Dec 2007)

a. Department of Public Works

b. Mr.M.S. Malebye

c. April 2009

d. Can't establish

a. Independent Complaints Directorate

b. Mr. P. Valoyi

c. July 2008

d. The previous incumbent, Mr. P. Mongwe's acting period came to an end.

To compound matters, President Zuma's new ministries are yet to establish their management organograms, because they still have not appointed their Directors-General. These include the new ministry of Economic Development and the new Higher Education and Training Department.

With service delivery on the line, President Zuma's administration must act swiftly to ensure that these posts are filled with competent people.