LIMPOPO SPORTS MEC UNDER SCRUTINY OVER APPOINTMENT OF EIGHT STAFF MEMBERS
POLOKWANE: Limpopo MEC for Sports, Arts and Culture, Bellah_Kuba_Mabuza is facing scrutiny following the appointment of eight staff members in her office, raising questions about compliance with government regulations governing the staffing of Members of the Executive Council (MECs).
The appointments have drawn attention to the prescribed staffing limits contained in the national government’s Guide for Members of the Executive, 2022.
According to the Public Service Commission’s May 2024 Guide on Governance Practice for Executive Authorities and Heads of Departments, an MEC’s private office is limited to five staff posts, with provision for one additional departmental support post.
This brings the prescribed complement to six posts, although the nature and classification of the appointments remain critical in determining whether the eight appointments comply with the applicable framework.
The regulatory framework further requires appointments to comply with the Public Service Act, 1994, and the Public Service Regulations, including Regulation 66.
Regulation 66 allows an executive authority to fill certain positions in their private office without advertising the vacancies or convening a selection panel. However, this does not exempt appointments from the prescribed suitability and appointment criteria.
The Public Service Commission’s guide further emphasises that appointments must be made in accordance with applicable legislation, employment requirements and available departmental funding.
The department is therefore expected to clarify the positions occupied by the eight individuals, their employment arrangements, remuneration packages and the budget from which their salaries are being paid.
It also remains necessary to establish whether any of the appointments involve secondments, assignments or other employment arrangements permitted under the public-service framework.
The appointments come at a time when government departments are expected to demonstrate accountability, transparency and prudent management of public resources.
MDNTV will seek comment from the MEC and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture on the appointments, including whether the staffing structure has received the necessary authorisation and complies with the applicable regulations.
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