LOUIS TRICHARDT - The Makhado Municipality this week announced the names of the five newly appointed directors, who will be directly accountable to the Municipal Manager.

The directors are Mr M Mapholi (Director Technical Services), Mr EM Musitha (Director Community Services), Mr NP Magwala (Director Corporate Services), Mr NW Nkuna (Director Human Resources) and Ms F Muthambi (Director Municipal Secretariat). The post for Director of Finance and Economic Development will be re-advertised soon. Mr Vic Viljoen has been appointed Acting Director Strategic Development (Economic, Tourism, Investments and Marketing).

In a press release the municipality defended the appointment of these controversial posts, stating that the vastness of the municipal area created a need for efficient and broad administration. The Directors will be expected to implement the principles of Batho Pele (People First) and also to send an approach that will be directed on the community needs, the statement reads.

According to Mr Peter Muleya, public relations officer for the municipality, the posts have all been budgeted for. He responded to criticism that these posts will cost the taxpayer in excess of R2,5 million per year, by saying that the appointments were guided by the entire need of the communities. "It will be naïve for some individuals to perceive these appointments on a wrong analysis, in particular the view of regarding such appointments as 'gravy train' jobs," he said. He stated that the Directors' salaries were in accordance with guidelines set by SALGA.