Tshwane says its officials are "qualified"

"From the level of director to strategic executive director, including the city manager and the deputy city managers have NQF [National Qualifications Framework] level seven qualifications and above," claimed spokesman Blessing Manale.

Earlier on Monday (6 May) the Democratic Alliance alleged that six employees at the city's finance department were not qualified to be in their positions. Spokesman Christo van der Heever said 50 other employees, who did not comply with the minimum competency unit standard requirements, would have to get training at the University of Pretoria.

Van der Heever said the metro had already missed a 1 January deadline, set by Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan, for all officials in similar positions to have suitable qualifications.

"He [Gordhan] warned that the deadline of January this year, as outlined in regulations promulgated in 2007, was non-negotiable," Van der Heever said.

The city supported the decision to ensure all public sector employees met particular requirements, but added the metro had asked for, and was granted, an extension to the deadline.

"The request for the extension was made in the light of the fact that the city had just incorporated Kungwini and Metsweding into its administration. It is our understanding the non-negotiability of the issues implied that the public sector cannot continue without the appropriate skills and expertise," Manale said.

Source: Sapa via I-Net Bridge