When the new Matjhabeng administration took office in November 2021, it resolved that capacity building would be prioritised to fast-track service delivery.
Key positions were filled within the various directorates such as finance, infrastructure, community services, as well as local economic development.
Executive directors have been appointed to bring stability and consistency. Plumbers, electricians, chartered accountants, engineers as well as PhD holders in various fields are among the new employees of the Matjhabeng Local Municipality.
“Their qualifications, skills, knowledge and experience will not only improve the running of the institution but, most importantly, it will lead to accelerated service delivery,” says Tshediso Tlali, Matjhabeng spokesperson.
“In the past, the Matjhabeng Local Municipality spent R9 million annually on service providers to produce the institution’s financial statement.
For the first time in almost 20 years, the financial statement has been produced by employees”, said executive mayor, Thanduxolo Khalipha, during his keynote address on 2 December, when the new staff members were introduced to the community at a function held at the Ferdi Meyer Hall.
The new employees include 151 security officers, 32 plumbers, 9 electricians, and 51 staff in various positions within the finance directorate.
“An additional 22 security officers will be employed as a specialised unit to address cable theft and damage. Cable theft has been identified as a catalyst in the breakdown of pump stations and waste water treatment plants in the area. This is the main reason why Matjhabeng is faced with the sewer challenges we have,” said Khalipha.
In a further effort to address the unemployment rate within Matjhabeng, 240 youths will be incorporated in a three-year skills development programme that will train them as artisans. There are also 500 graduates that will form part of this programme.
The acting municipal manager, Dr Vuyo Adonis, commended the executive mayor for taking the time to meet with the employees and welcome them and their families to the broader Matjhabeng family.
“It is the first time Matjhabeng has had such an occasion and it goes a long way in showing the commitment of the institution to work together towards improving the lives of the community which it serves”, he praised.
He also emphasised the importance of family support for employees so they can continue to give their best in the workplace.
In the last year, the new administration has also prioritised the financial well-being of the institution. As such, cost cutting measures have been applied which include, but are not limited to, a reduction of overtime and filling of acting positions while the financial recovery plan Operation Patala has been intensified to encourage residents to pay for services.
The executive mayor said that the bylaws will be strengthened and readjusted to deal with issues of licensing, permits, health, safety and illegal dumping, among others.
