No golden handshakes

In principle it was "unacceptable" to give municipal officials golden handshakes - particularly if they were administrators with a case to answer.

Local Government Minister Sicelo Shiceka (right) made this clear after hearing about the R2,3 million golden handshake given to suspended Tshwane city manager, Kiba Kekana, reports SAPA via News24.

"There should be no golden handshake in principle and that person can't be allowed to resign," he said.

40% New ouncillors

The Minister announced that he wanted at least 40% representation of new councillors in municipalities after next year's local government elections. 

There was a need for new councillors, who, Shiceka said, would be trained in time for next year's local government elections."

Warning regarding shoddy services

Shiceka also sent a strong warning to private companies providing shoddy services in local government, saying they would no longer be paid out in full if communities were not satisfied with their work.

This will be catered for in one of the sections of the Municipal Systems Act which Shiceka hopes would be passed before the elections.

He wants "the new crop of leaders" to find a system that is changed. The bill will also make a provision for the MEC to intervene within 14 days when municipalities employ according to whom they know instead of skilled workers.

If the MEC fails, then Shiceka will then have to correct that.

No more political managers

Another issue needing correction was the blunder in municipalities where political office bearers also found themselves in management positions.

"You have a bigger responsibility being an office bearer, so you can't be a manager," he said.

Amalgamating municipalities?

From Thursday (2 December 2010) the ruling party would hold a two-day meeting to reflect on provincial and local government and find ways of making it more efficient. Shiceka said issues such as amalgamating municipalities and amending laws would also be looked at.

Click HERE to read the full report.