IOL News reports that unqualified finance and supply chain management officials at municipalities across the country have been given 18 months to obtain their qualifications or face the chop.  

Finance Minister Tito Mboweni and his Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs counterpart, Dr Zweli Mkhize, have tightened the rules regulating the appointment of officials responsible for the public purse and procurement in local government.  The Municipal Amendment Regulations on Minimum Competency Levels 2018 state that finance or supply chain management officials who do not meet the minimum competency level in the unit standards for a competency area required for their positions, must attain that minimum competency level within 18 months from the date of appointment.  The regulations also state that the attainment of competency levels within prescribed time frames must be included in performance agreements.  In accordance with the new regulations, the employment contract must also state that if the competency level is not attained within the applicable period, the employment contract will terminate automatically within one month thereafter.  Municipal managers and chief executives of municipal entities must monitor and take any necessary steps to ensure compliance.

• Read this report by Loyiso Sidimba in full at IOL News

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