The DA multi-party voting bloc defeated an ANC strategy to approve a politically skewed staff organogram at the 6 December 2017 Council meeting. The employment of an additional 85 political appointees was rejected in the interest of rather filling vacancies that will lead to better service delivery. There is a 40% vacancy rate in Infrastructure and 39% in Public Safety.

The Speaker of Council, Cllr N. Mangole, was forced to rule in favour of the DA, EFF, FF+ and IFP voting bloc, nullifying the ANC’s realigned organogram which favoured political staff appointments.

The DA is aware of reports that appointments have already been made in terms of the organogram that was rejected, even before the matter was tabled before Council. We will inquire about whether these illicit appointments were indeed made as well as what steps will be taken to rectify the matter.

The unanimous voting bloc included 39 abstentions, prevailing over the 37 ANC councillors who voted for a politically bloated organisational structure, thereby filling critical vacancies.

25 Of the 85 new positions are Community Liaison Officers who assist the 25 ANC Ward Councillors to perform their duties.

The DA has taken a stand against the corrupt system that the ANC has built to feed itself. It’s time for a new beginning for the people of Mogale City, where the needs of the people are put first.