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The Democratic Alliance (DA) expresses deep concern over the delays in appointing crucial Section 56 managers (Directors) in Nketoana Local Municipality. The vacancies for Director of Corporate Services and Director of Community Services have remained unfilled since December 2022 and February 2023, respectively. Moreover, the acting directors' positions have also been vacant since April this year, exacerbating the service delivery crisis.

The absence of appointed Directors has led to the cancellation of Section 79 committee meetings, preventing effective oversight of crucial departments by councillors. Even in portfolios where senior managers were present until recently, Section 79 committee meetings have not taken place as required by legislation, with the last meetings being held in 2022. The Director of Technical Services' position ended in June 2023, and the Chief Financial Officer was recently dismissed on the MEC of CoGTA's instruction. Currently, all positions of senior managers reporting to the Municipal Manager are vacant, except for Local Economic Development.

This alarming situation jeopardizes service delivery and the effective functioning of essential municipal departments. The DA will continue to hold politicians and officials accountable outside of formal meetings, but urgent action is needed to fill these critical vacancies.

We call on the Municipal Manager to expedite the appointment processes and ensure competent and skilled individuals are selected for these positions, based on merit and not political affiliation. The future of Nketoana Municipality relies on capable leadership and accountable governance.

The current state of local government in the Free State is alarming, and it is evident that only the DA can bring about positive change and rescue our province. To secure a prosperous future, voters must take charge of their destinies and vote for the vision of a better tomorrow that the DA shares with all residents of Nketoana.

Issued by Diphapang Mofokeng - DA Councillor Nketoana Local Municipality