The Kimberley Prospector

KIMBERLEY – Doubts and questions surround the recent appointment of Sol Plaatje Municipality’s (SPM) Water and Sanitation Engineer, as a concerned DA councillor of Ward 25 in Kimberley, Ockert Fourie, expressed uncertainty about the qualifications of the newly appointed official. While SPM’s Communication Manager vouched for the engineer’s expertise, councillors remain obligated to take steps to independently verify the information if any doubts persist.

Resident Inquiry Sparks Doubt

The initial inquiry from a resident questioned the existence of a Head of Department (HoD) for water infrastructure within SPM. The resident sought transparency regarding the qualifications of the individual overseeing this crucial department.

Councillor Acknowledges New Engineer

Responding to the inquiry, a councillor confirmed the presence of a new Water and Sanitation Engineer. However, the councillor candidly admitted being in the dark about the qualifications of the appointee, relying on a high recommendation from the Municipal Manager (MM).

Mixed Opinions Among Residents

A second resident weighed in, expressing scepticism about the appointment, emphasizing that the engineer should possess the right qualifications and certificates of competency. This resident acknowledged the challenging environment inherited by the new engineer, advocating for a fair 18-month adaptation period.

A contrasting perspective surfaced from another resident who highlighted instances of underqualified individuals being appointed to such positions. This resident hinted at potential political appointments with the phrase “cadre deployments.”

Upholding Residents’ Unfettered Right to Stable and Quality Infrastructure

Stepping into the conversation, The Kimberley Prospector emphasized Kimberley’s right to continuous, consistent, and reliable infrastructure and service delivery, irrespective of internal Human Resources or governing aspects within SPM.

SPM Communication Manager Defends Appointment

Thabo Mothibi, SPM’s Communication Manager, issued a statement defending the qualifications of the newly appointed Water and Sanitation Engineer. Mothibi asserted that the engineer is highly qualified and experienced, cautioning against undermining or insulting his professional standing and dignity.

Councillors Obligation to Verify

In light of the councillor’s expressed uncertainty, The Kimberley Prospector outlines steps available to councillors to independently verify the engineer’s qualifications. These steps included formal requests to municipal administration, reference to relevant legislation, review of policies and bylaws, and engagement with oversight mechanisms, legal advisors, and public participation.

1. Request Information from Municipal Administration: Formally request information from the municipal administration, especially the human resources or relevant department responsible for the appointment.
   
2. Refer to Municipal Systems Act (Act 32 of 2000): Consult the Municipal Systems Act, particularly Section 56, to understand the powers and functions of municipal managers and the role of councillors in approving appointments.
   
3. Review Municipal Policies and Bylaws: Examine municipal policies and bylaws related to appointments and human resources to ensure proper procedures were followed.
   
4. Check Council Resolutions and Meeting Minutes: Review council resolutions and meeting minutes to gain insights into the decision-making process and discussions about the appointee’s qualifications.
   
5. Engage in Oversight Mechanisms: Utilize oversight mechanisms within the municipality, such as audit committees, to verify qualifications and ensure a transparent appointment process.
   
6. Invoke Public Participation: If applicable, involve the public or relevant stakeholders to bring transparency to the decision-making process.
   
7. Consult Legal Advisors: Seek advice from legal advisors within the municipality to ensure compliance with the law.
   
8. Raise the Issue in Council: Bring the matter to the attention of the municipal council through discussions, resolutions, or proposals.

The publication emphasizes councillors’ obligation to ensure transparency and address any concerns or lack of clarity surrounding the qualifications of the newly appointed officials.