Note to Editors: Please find attached English soundbite by Cllr Ntombi Mokoena, Afrikaans soundbite by Cllr Anelia Smit, and Sesotho soundbite by David Masoeu MPL
The Democratic Alliance in Phumelela has formally called for an immediate freeze on the recruitment of 40 permanent staff members, citing the municipality’s precarious financial position and its reliance on an unfunded budget for the upcoming financial year. Proceeding with these appointments under current conditions is a reckless move that threatens the long-term stability of the local government and its ability to provide essential services to the community.
This financial instability is further highlighted by the recent rejection of the appointment of a Director of Technical Services, a decision necessitated by the municipality’s salary budget already exceeding the initially agreed-upon limits by 40%.
With personnel costs already bloated and exceeding sustainable benchmarks, the attempt to add 40 more permanent salaries to a failing system is fiscally suicidal. During the budget approval process, it was conceded that the budget remains unfunded, with a recovery plan that relies entirely on increased revenue collection, a goal that is currently not being met.
There is no verified financial provision to cover these additional posts, and it is fundamentally irresponsible to hire personnel when the municipality cannot guarantee the means to pay them.
Beyond the financial risks, the DA is deeply concerned by the lack of transparency in the current recruitment process. Although it was previously agreed that employment opportunities would be allocated through a fair, community-inclusive “ID tossing” method to ensure equal access for all residents in this high-unemployment area, the municipality has bypassed this agreement in favour of opaque criteria without oversight. This hiring drive is being conducted without the backing of a formal Council resolution, making the process procedurally irregular and a direct violation of the council’s mandate.
In light of these irregularities, the DA has initiated a formal escalation to the Provincial Legislature. The party’s Spokesperson on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) will table urgent questions to the MEC regarding the legality of these appointments and the municipality’s failure to adhere to the Municipal Finance Management Act.
We will ensure that the provincial government is compelled to intervene and hold the Phumelela administration accountable for its fiscal irresponsibility and failure to protect the rights of unemployed residents through fair and transparent processes.