Despite such a large work force, the vacancy rate remained high in most municipalities. It is the vacancy rate, particularly in senior management positions, that most likely has a bearing on service delivery. The vacancy rate is highest in KwaZulu-Natal at 39% and lowest in the Free State at 6%, according to the 2008 Local Government Budgets and Expenditure Review published by the Treasury.

There is an overall vacancy rate of 12% for senior managers in municipalities. In one municipality in Limpopo, it was reported that all senior management positions were vacant except the chief financial officer and the director of community services.

Even if the existing vacancies are filled, this does not necessarily mean that the personnel challenges in municipalities will be over. The report noted that there were cases where positions are filled without being advertised. It also noted that of the 250 municipal managers, 54 (22%) had not signed performance agreements as at June 2009.

As the head of administration and the accounting officer of the municipality, the municipal manager is responsible and accountable for municipal transformation and organisation development, basic service delivery, local economic development, municipal financial viability and management, and good governance and public participation. All municipal managers are required to sign a performance agreement.

In one municipality, it was discovered that a former tea lady had become a chief financial officer within the same municipality.

Almost half (45%) of the people employed at municipalities work in the metros. This means that while metros have 21 municipal workers per 1 000 households, district and local municipalities have 13 workers per 1 000 households.

There are also high levels of nepotism and political interference in the recruitment of people. According to the report, some 22% of municipal employees are employed in non-existing posts. The Treasury places the figure at 28%.

Regardless of the high vacancy rates and other challenges relating to municipal employees, municipalities are hiring fewer people while the amount of money spent on personnel is increasing. Total municipal expenditure increased by 32% from R22 billion in 2003/04 to R29 billion in 2006/07. It is expected to increase to R38 billion in 2009/10. Between 2005 and 2006, the number of employees declined by 1.2% from 206 266 to 203 734.

The challenges at local government are many, and perhaps the principal one is that of personnel. But, municipalities should hire candidates whose qualifications and/or experience match the advertised position.

-          Nthamaga Kgafela