DA rejects appointment of a driver for the mayor

The Dr Beyers Naudé DA Caucus refused to approve the six-month contractual appointment of a driver for ANC Councillor Willem Safers, mayor of the Dr Beyers Naudé Local Municipality. This decision followed the publication of an advertisement on the municipality’s website on 17 January, calling for applications for the position by 6 February.

Reasons for rejection

In a statement released on 8 February, the caucus detailed their reasons for rejecting the appointment. They argued that the appointment contradicted the undertaking made when the organogram was adopted in August last year, that external appointments will only be made for critical posts. According to the advertisement, the appointed person would be responsible for the mayor’s specific travel requirements and protection – tasks the caucus deemed non-critical and unjustifiable for an external appointment. Moreover, the post had not been budgeted for and this raised additional concern over the municipality's escalating debt which already exceeded R580m. The caucus warned that the added monthly labour costs of approximately R17 000 could exacerbate service delivery backlogs.

Mayor's protection

Chriszanne Janse van Vuuren

Regarding the importance of the mayor's protection, the caucus pointed out the existing contractual agreement between the municipality and a security company for such services.

They argued that these functions could be fulfilled by the security company and existing staff without additional cost to the municipality. Previous appointments of bodyguards for the mayor and speaker in August last year were also challenged and set aside, allegedly on the basis of upper limits for counsellor allowances as determined by the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs. At the time, municipal spokesperson Vuyisa Jantjies explained that the municipality initiated a safety assessment in line with the tools of trade provided for in the Remuneration of Public Bearers Act, with decisions pending based on its findings.

The post had not been budgeted for and this raised additional concern over the municipality’s escalating debt.

Fiscal responsibility

The rejection of the driver appointment underscores broader concerns within the Dr Beyers Naudé Local Municipality regarding fiscal responsibility and adherence to regulatory frameworks. The municipality faces the challenge of balancing security needs with financial constraints in its commitment to effective governance. The Advertiser did send in an enquiry to this matter but has not yet received an answer.