PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - The Plettenberg Bay Ratepayers' and Residents' Association have written to Western Cape Local Government minister Anton Bredell, questioning the appointment of two "unqualified" directors to Bitou municipality on 28 May.

In addition, the ratepayers have pointed out to Bredell that a Western Cape High Court has also indicated that Dr Ralph Links, the acting Bitou municipal manager, did not meet the criteria to hold the post of municipal manager.

A request to extend Links' acting period as municipal manager in Bitou until the end of August was received, but not yet granted by Bredell.

In response to a query from the Knysna-Plett Herald, a spokesperson for Bredell said: "The request is being considered by the provincial minister."

Steve Pattinson, chairman of the association, said in a letter to members: "Unfortunately we are once again confronted with political decisions that threaten the fabric of our municipal governance.

"Contrary to merit-based appointments, political interference continues to erode the integrity and competency of our administration. It goes without saying that the performance of any institution can only ever be as good as its senior management," he said.

"This is why municipal legislation very clearly specifies minimum standards relating to skills and work experience.

"What concerns us, is that a judgment of 7 June in the Western Cape High Court, records that not only the applicant (Mnyamezeli Jackson Penxa, who was unsuccessful when applying for the job of municipal manager) but also Links, took a 'municipal leadership competency assessment' as prescribed by the South African Local Government Association forming part of their application for municipal manager of the PA-controlled Central Karoo District municipality.

"Both attained the same assessment of their personal capability (and suitability) to hold senior municipal management positions, both being found to have only 'basic skills' in this regard and falling short of the minimum assessment standard of 'competent'.

"In short, the court found that both men did not have the personal competency to hold the position of municipal manager in any municipality."

The two directors whose qualifications have been questioned include Luvuyo Loliwe, corporate services director and Tanya Wildeman, director of planning and development.

The two appointed need the concurrence of Bredell to take up office.

Pattinson told Bredell in his letter: "The appointments therefore do not come into effect until such time as your office has confirmed that the appointees comply with all legislated requirements."

Bredell also told the Knysna-Plett Herald he was awaiting the court order in respect of Loliwe.

"Although Mr Loliwe did file a Notice of Withdrawal, the MEC is still pursuing in obtaining a court order, as the actions of Knysna municipal council were unlawful. Such an order may also have certain adverse implications for the municipality.

"As to Mr Loliwe's appointment at Bitou Municipality, the office of the minister cannot comment on same as no formal notification thereof has been provided by Bitou municipality."

Pattinson said with effect from 26 October 2018 senior managers employed by municipalities with annual budgets of a value equal to or above R1 billion had to have a minimum of seven years' work-related experience at senior and middle management level, of which "at least two years must be at senior management level".

The ratepayers said "according to our information" Wildeman may have a qualification at NQF 8 level, (as prescribed for municipalities with budgets in excess of R1bn) but she does not have any of the prescribed academic qualifications relating to town and regional planning or developments.

Although Loliwe complies with the academic requirements for the position of director of corporate cervices, he does not have two years' senior management experience.

Andile Namntu, manager of corporate communications, responded on Monday 8 July, saying Bitou municipality ran an "open and transparent recruitment process that conforms to internal policies and procedures, as well as to the relevant labour legislation".

All appointments were made subject to concurrence by the office of MEC of Local Government in the Western Cape, said Namntu.

He said: "Bitou Municipality notes the questions and comments raised by Knysna-Plett Herald on the recent appointment of directors for its corporate services and planning and development portfolios.

"The municipality chooses not to respond to some of these questions and this should not be construed as an admission."

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