17/08/2026
DA demands turnaround plan for failing recruitment processes at Polokwane Municipality
by Cllr. Androe Botha - DA Member of Portfolio on Administration and Governance
Date: 17 August 2026
Release: Immediate
The DA in Polokwane will request the City Manager , Ms. Patricia Nemugumoni, to table an urgent turnaround plan on failing and protracted recruitment processes. These funded vacancies severely impede service delivery; some Polokwane residents have now been without electricity for extended periods following the storm on 10 August 2026.
The July 2026 Recruitment Report indicates that, despite the 4-month recruitment process allowed by the Municipal Staff Regulations, only 11 appointments were finalised during July 2026.
More than 200 funded positions, at different stages of recruitment, including 59 General Workers, 32 Public Safety positions, nine Water and Sanitation positions and six Energy Services positions remain vacant.
There are six vacant senior positions in the embattled Energy Services including two assistant managers, a senior engineering technician, a foreman and a technician.
The Manager: Operations and Maintenance, which was re-advertised in 20 November 2025 has been vacant since vacant 2021.
The Executive Director: Water and Sanitation is also currently vacant and advertised; a key position responsible for managing essential services which are dismally failing residents.
The DA is not calling for shortcuts. Appointments must be fair, transparent and lawful- however procedure should not become an excuse for unnecessary delays.
Polokwane municipality must utilise every appropriate and funded opportunity, including EPWP and temporary employment, to stabilise failing service delivery.
The DA, if elected to govern, will ensure that vacancies are filled within the prescribed time limit, to ensure optimal service delivery and to create much needed opportunities.
Media Enquiries
Cllr. Androe Botha
DA Member of Portfolio on Administration and Governance
Karla van Rensburg
Chief of Staff
