Public Protector probes Joburg's 'unqualified' metro secretary

The Public Protector is investigating the appointment of Andile Gobinca to her R2-million-a-year secretary's job at the City of Joburg, allegedly without the necessary legal qualifications.

- By Queenin Masuabi

The complaint, reported anonymously to the Public Protector on September 3, 2024, centred on Gobinca's qualifications and experience, as well as allegations of procedural flaws in his appointment as acting secretary in the city.

Gobinca's acting tenure in the position lasted for more than two years, surpassing the legal maximum of three months.

“The Public Protector can confirm that the investigations are still underway and that it is getting cooperation from the City of Joburg,” spokesperson Khu-lu Phasiwe told Sunday World.

According to the complaint, the advertisement for the job stated that the successful candidate must have 10 years' legal experience with a specialisation in local government or be a chartered secretary with six to eight years of relevant experience. However, the complainant claims Gobinca has never worked in the legal field.