The official opposition in the Mangaung Metro Municipality is demanding reasons for the delay in appointing a chief financial officer (CFO).
Corize van Rensburg, DA councillor, says despite the council’s decision on 14 December 2023 to re-advertise and the three-month deadline for applications having passed, the position remains vacant.
The initial CFO appointee, Marion Mbina-Mthembu, was supposed to take office on 1 December, but declined filling the position after allegations of financial mismanagement had been raised by the Public Protector and councillors.
The subsequent delay in re-advertising the CFO position raises concerns about transparency and accountability.
“This lack of urgency and decisive action by the City Manager is unacceptable,” Van Rensburg said in a news release on Wednesday.
“A permanent CFO is vital for ensuring sound financial management and upholding good governance practices within an already cash-strapped metro. The prolonged vacancy poses a significant risk of financial mismanagement and instability, which could have severe repercussions for the municipality and its residents.”
Van Rensburg said the DA was concerned that the failure to adhere to the advertised time frame for applications would result in fruitless and wasteful expenditure of public funds.
Re-advertising the position will incur unnecessary costs that could otherwise be allocated to essential service delivery priorities.
Van Rensburg said the DA demanded that the process to shortlist and interview qualified candidates should be initiated immediately and be transparent and merit-based.
“The DA refuses to tolerate the city manager’s reckless disregard for sound financial management practices. The people of Mangaung deserve leadership that prioritises their interests and works tirelessly to address the municipality’s pressing financial challenges.”
