Note to editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Corize van Rensburg and Sesotho by Cllr David Masoeu.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality is concerned over the continued delay in appointing a permanent Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Despite the council’s decision on 14 December 2023 to re-advertise, the three-month deadline for applications has passed, yet the position remains vacant.
The initial CFO appointee Marion Mbina-Mthembu was supposed to start at the metro on 1 Dec 2023 but declined the post after allegations of financial mismanagement were raised by the Public Protector and councillors. However, the subsequent delay in re-advertising the CFO position raises concerns about transparency and accountability.
This lack of urgency and decisive action by the City Manager is unacceptable. A permanent CFO is vital for ensuring sound financial management and upholding good governance practices within an already cash-strapped Metro. The prolonged vacancy poses a significant risk of financial mismanagement and instability, which could have severe repercussions for the municipality and its residents.
We are apprehensive that the failure to adhere to the advertised time frame for applications will result in fruitless and wasteful expenditure of public funds. Re-advertising the position will incur unnecessary costs that could otherwise be allocated to essential service delivery priorities.
We call upon the City Manager to:
- Explain the reasons for the delay in appointing a permanent CFO.
- Immediately initiate the process to shortlist and interview qualified candidates.
- Ensure a transparent and merit-based selection process is followed.
- Fill the vacant CFO position as a matter of urgency to prevent further financial uncertainty.
The DA refuses to tolerate the City Manager’s reckless disregard for sound financial management practices. The people of Mangaung deserve leadership that prioritises their interests and works tirelessly to address the municipality’s pressing financial challenges.