Press Statement by James Masango: DA Spokesperson on CoGHSTA
- A number of municipalities are unable to fill critical posts and this affects service delivery.
- These municipalities are not functioning at optimal capacity.
- We have asked the MEC of CoGHTSA to look into this.
28 August 2026
Release: Immediate
The DA in Mpumalanga calls on the MEC of CoGHTSA, Speedy Mashilo, to review organisational structures across municipalities with a high vacancy rate and emphasise the importance of filling critical posts. These include Dr JS Moroka, Mkhondo, City of Mbombela and Thaba Chweu amongst others.
Below are the number of the vacant posts in these municipalities:
-City of Mbombela – 603
-Dr JS Moroka Local Municipality – 395
-Mkhondo Local Municipality – 428
These figures are detailed in the 2024/25 annual reports of these municipalities. A Corporate Service report indicates that Thaba Chweu has 130 vacant posts.
These vacant positions are in Technical Service, Corporate Service, Community Development and Economic Development. Some of these departments play a significant role in the delivery of services to residents. Therefore, without a full staff component, the municipality will be unable to execute some of its functions.
In a country where unemployment is rife, it is unacceptable for these municipalities to have such a high number of vacant positions. The DA reiterates that in order for municipalities to attract private investors and stimulate their local economies, they need a functional government with competent staff.
These municipalities need to work around the clock and start addressing these shortcomings. Our municipalities need employees with the right skills to fast track service delivery. The DA is ready to rebuild these municipalities and put an end to cadre deployment.
It has become clear that these municipalities under the ANC administration have failed to provide a democratic and accountable government for communities. Municipalities are the sphere of government closest to the people and they have a mandate of acting in the best interest of residents at all times.
We will do this through merit-based appointments, and ensure consequences for poor performance and corruption. The DA will continue to use its oversight responsibilities to ensure that these posts are filled with competent individuals.
For media queries:
James Masango
DA Spokesperson on CoGHSTA
082 891 0717