Municipality in hot water for hiring irregularity

Degrees and diplomas ‘are not the same’

- By Sihle Mavuso

Zwel Cele

Public Protector (PP) Adv Kholeka Gcaleka has directed a KwaZulu-Natal municipality to act against its officials who were involved in the irregular appointment of an underqualified and ‘political connected’ candidate for a managerial position.

The ANC-run Illembe district municipality was reported to PP for intervention after appointing Zweli Cele as its manager for arts, culture and youth development. In its defence, the municipality claimed that an “administrative error” resulted in it employing Cele who possessed a national diploma for a position that required a bachelor's degree.

In her order, contained in a report dated September 19, which was sent to the municipality, the PP said municipality was reported to her office after it blatantly disregarded all recruitment processes to hire Cele to the position.

The PP explained that the process started when the municipality claimed that it was reorganising itself and moved the incumbent, Sthembiso Mfeka, from the position and advertised it.

The reportedly politically connected Cele then landed the post, prompting Mfeka to approach the PP for redress.