Municipal Executives - Who do Cogta speak to ?

Last week we saw Cogta publish proposed amendments to the Systems Act that will force municipalities to widely advertise Section 57 positions, and through regulations, prescribe qualifications for these executives. The amendments will also restrict political party office bearers from holding municipal executive positions and will prohibit employment of executives who have been found guilty of misconduct previously.

The lack of consultation with iLGM on these proposals by Cogta was somewhat unsettling. One can understand that the intention is a rapid turnaround in the fortunes of local government and that the changes may make redundant a majority of iLGM members at the end of their contracts, but still, maybe a bit of consultation would have been polite.  

The argument that Cogta follows here is that if they consult with iLGM they will need to consult with all the other municipal associations. The argument is however hardly true. Very few members of IMFO, IMESA or AMEU or IERM would be affected by the amendments, because their professions are already professionalised or they are not in the Section 57 Executive band.  It is mostly members of iLGM that will be affected by the amendments.  

I have heard arguments around Cogta that not all municipal managers are members of iLGM.  I guess one can counter that by arguing that not all South Africans are members of the ruling party or have voted for the ruling party and yet the ruling party is the ruling party!

We will be having one or more teleconference rounds to brainstorm the new amendments to the Systems Act on the 7^thof June 2010, and it looks like Cogta may after all agree to participate in the debate.  

Kind Regard - Jean Venter - iLGM Exec Officer.