Kgatelopele cadre deployment rises ahead of elections

22 October 2021

Note to Editors: Please find attached soundbites in English & Afrikaans from Delmaine Christians, MP.

With elections looming, it is concerning that those with influence are pushing through illegal appointments in Kgatelopele municipality, while they still wield power.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) is aware of at least three appointments recently made by the Mayor, without any advertising, or any regular appointment procedures and processes being followed. The questionable positions filled include those of a manager in the Mayor’s office, a manager in the Municipal Manager’s office and a Deputy Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

It goes without saying that these positions require the necessary skills, experience and qualifications. To simply place people in these positions, without considering their competencies, without verifying their qualifications, or even having them interviewed and assessed, is nothing less than cadre deployment at its worst.

This is not the first sign of ANC capture within this municipality.

Just a few weeks ago, the DA exposed serious ANC infighting within the institution, whereby the Mayoral faction illegally suspended and physically locked out the rightful, but also politically inclined Municipal Manager, Monde January. The municipality has also unlawfully appointed another MM to usurp January’s post.

The DA condemns the ongoing deployments to Kgatelopele and we will approach the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and the MEC of COGHSTA, to investigate the matter.

Kgatelopele municipality is not a jobs agency for ANC loyalists. It is a democratic, local government institution, that is mandated to provide services to residents, and to get the basics right, not to secure jobs for pals.

Residents of Kgatelopele municipality should act to stop the further transitioning of the municipality into an ANC friendship gang, by kicking out the ANC on 1 November and voting for the DA, which will work to secure services and better future for everyone.

Issued by Delmaine Christians, DA Constituency Head of Idwala, 22 October 2021