Imogen Mashazi: Public protector explains why unqualified candidates keep landing senior municipal jobs

Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka has revealed that former Ekurhuleni city manager Imogen Mashazi engaged in improper conduct by appointing an unqualified individual to a senior metro police post. This incident, along with others, is part of a series of investigations detailed in recent reports. No action will be taken against Mashazi as she has left the state's employ.

Gcaleka emphasized that the appointment of unqualified candidates, despite verification processes, breaches the constitution, the Municipal Systems Act, and other recruitment regulations.

Gcaleka cited a similar problem in Musina Local Municipality, where Ms Mavhula was appointed as an integrated development plan officer based on a verification report that failed to find records of her employment history. Mavhula was found to have misrepresented her work experience, both in her application form and CV. Additionally, a manager in another municipality was hired with a one-year advanced diploma for a position that required a three-year qualification, as officials mistakenly believed the diploma was equivalent.

Gcaleka highlighted that her office has received numerous complaints involving similar patterns of appointment where individuals were hired based on degrees from private universities that did not meet national standards. She urged the Minister of Higher Education and Training to issue clear, uniform guidelines to protect graduates from unfair situations. The Public Protector's office is also working to identify and keep track of implicated officials to prevent them from being appointed in other government positions.