DA says no to ‘jobs for pals’ in newly won municipalities

·29 Aug 2016

The Democratic Alliance has stressed that there will be no ‘jobs for friends’ in senior positions at those municipalities it recently won in Gauteng in the local elections.

The party announced on Monday that it will open up its recruitment process to all.

John Moodey, DA Gauteng leader, said in a statement that senior positions – particularly municipal managers and heads of departments – in the DA-led administrations of Johannesburg, Tshwane and Mogale City, will not be given to party members.

Instead positions will be open to transparent recruitment processes ensuring that only the most competent individuals are employed to move these cities forward.

“The DA will appoint suitably qualified and competent people into positions who are fit for purpose and can fulfil the responsibilities of the office that they carry.

“It is vital that residents receive quality service, on time and in a dignified manner. This can only be done when competent staff are employed to serve the people of the metros we govern,” Moodey said.

Read: How the ANC is leading municipalities to financial ruin

All recruitment process will be open, inclusive and transparent and subject to public scrutiny, the DA said.

The ANC has been criticized for a policy of cadre deployment and nepotism, which has adversely affected public services.

President Jacob Zuma has endorsed the party’s policies in the past. He said people needed to understand that in a democratic state, once a party lost elections, “the people who are coming in… with their comrades, people that they trust, will implement their policies. That’s democracy.”

Zuma said some people interpreted democracy as nepotism, but that this tendency was “childish politics”.