Category: <span>Good Governance</span>

01 July 2022 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality launches electronic job application platform

Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality launches electronic job application platform

For immediate release 
01 July 2022

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) is pleased to announce that, as of 1 July 2022, it will introduce its own E-recruitment system. The aim of the system is to make it convenient for applicants to apply for a vacant position at the municipality.

This paperless online job application system will allow applicants to apply for a vacancy without having to complete an application form, make copies of their Curriculum Vitaes (CV) and relevant qualifications every time they apply for a vacancy.  GRDM’s vision is to be a leading, enabling, and inclusive district. With this in mind, this system will provide a platform where job vacancies can be advertised, viewed, and applied for online, enhancing the recruitment and selection process by increasing responses.

When a candidate registers and creates a profile on the E-recruitment system, it is mandatory to upload their CV and qualifications, which is stored on the system and can be updated at any time.  This makes the application process for a vacancy flow more efficiently.

Why an E-recruitment system?

  • E-recruitment will improve the efficiency of filling vacancies because of semi-automated digitisation processes;
  • The system stores a backup file of all the applicant information; and
  • A move from paper to an electronic system improves auditing processes.

What does this system mean for the public?

  • To apply for a vacancy, a person can use any computer or visit a Thusong centre or library in his area;
  • No more traveling to the post office or the GRDM offices to submit a completed application;
  • No more emailed applications because, once applying for a position, the system will automatically send an email informing an applicant that they’ve applied and successfully uploaded their application; and
  • Candidates will be able to track how far along the vacancy process is on the e-recruitment system.

How does the application process work?

  • The vacancy will be advertised on several platforms, clearly marked that only online applications will be accepted;
  • Applicants will be reminded to register and create their profiles on the system;
  • Others who are already registered are welcome to apply for a vacancy;
  • Once registered, one can apply for any vacancy by selecting the vacancy and filling out the mandatory fields; and
  • The recruitment process will be fast and accurate since there will be no manual capturing of information.

When will the system be officially active?

  • The system will be live from Friday, 01 July 2022.
  • One vacancy will be advertised on the E-recruitment system as a trial run to monitor and evaluate public response.
  • In the beginning, only vacancies on T10 and above will be advertised on the system.
  • After two months an evaluation will be done to see how effective the system was.
  • After that, the system will be fully implemented for vacancies below T9.
  • Please note, currently the system is not mobile-friendly; it is only functional on a computer for now, but it will be compatible with a cell phone during the next phase or the system enhancement.

How to access the system?

Brows to http://www.gardenroute.gov.za/apply-for-work/ and it will take applicants to the landing page to start their registration process.  This page also gives applications the option to update their profiles or to apply for a vacancy.

GRDM calls upon the public to start registering and creating their profiles on the e-recruitment system.  If anyone doesn’t have access to a computer, the GRDM encourages those to visit any of the Thusong centres or libraries in their respective areas where they can register and create their profiles.

Who should I contact if I need assistance with the system?

Ms Amanda Booysen – GRDM Human Resources Representative – 044-803 1389 / 078 450 7950

Ms Margaret Powell – GRDM IT Representative – 044 803 1409

Click on the link below to view a short training video that will help you to understand how the Garden Route District Municipality E-recruitment system works and how to apply for vacancies.

12 April 2022 Media Release: Several Garden Route DM APAC members complete their terms

Media Release: Several Garden Route DM APAC members complete their terms

For Immediate Release
12 April 2022

After years of strategic services rendered to the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Audit and Performance Audit Committee (APAC), the terms of three (3) members have come to an end.

Dr Adele Potgieter, the outgoing Chairperson of APAC, finished her term yesterday. She commenced her duties on 1 November 2012, Advocate Derick Block served on the Committee from 1 March 2016 until 31 October 2021, and Mr Geoff Stenekamp served on APAC from 1 September 2017 until 28 February 2022.

APAC’s primary role is to advise the municipal council, political office bearers, accounting officers, and management of the Municipality about several matters. These include, but are not limited to, financial control and reporting, internal audit, risk management, accounting policies, performance management, governance, performance evaluations, and other matters referred by the institution.

Therefore, the effectiveness of this Committee requires an appropriate mix of professional skills, which are the prerequisites the GRDM identified for APAC members to hold. Appointing APAC members can be a daunting task because finding the relevant skills locally or regionally is not always possible. This is experienced all over the country.

The Chairperson of APAC’s leadership role is central to setting the tone of the work style and ensures that each agenda contributes to the effectiveness of the Committee.

BRIEF EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND OF OUTOING MEMBERS

Dr Potgieter is a Senior Lecturer at Nelson Mandela University. She holds a PhD in Business Management, Marketing, and related support services, a BCom Investment Honours, and a BA degree in Industrial and Organisational Psychology. She’s also served on numerous audit committees

Advocate Block holds a B. luris, LLB, and Postgraduate Diploma in Taxation. He has served on more than fifteen (15) committees and boards. He has vast knowledge and experience in local, provincial, and national government, legal, constitutional matters, risk management, audit, corporate governance, and compliance.

Mr Geoffrey Stenekamp has Bsc, BCompt degrees, and he is a qualified Chartered Accountant (SA). He was the national leader of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and has served on three (3) other Audit Committees before.

CLOSING REMARKS

During Dr Potgieter’s closing remarks, she recalled the journey she walked with the Municipality for more than a decade. “I’ve done countless performance appraisals, worked with various municipal managers, mayors and other professional staff.” She also shared how proud she is of the functional managers of Internal Audit, Risk Management and Performance Management, who have grown immensely since she started working for the GRDM.

“I have learned to work with many good people, new employees – young and old. However, what stood out for me is their willingness to work together – employees want to do good in this Municipality,” she said. “Thank you on behalf of APAC for the diligence on your financial statements. I wish you well going forward. May your days be blessed, and think of us fondly going forward. She also thanked Mr Stratu and the GRDM Council for their leadership.

In her advice to the APAC, she said: “Always stay independent, don’t get gobbed down by others and listen to your heart.”

During his closing remarks at an APAC engagement yesterday, Acting Municipal Manager Lusanda Menze said: “Thank you for the service of APAC and what it has done for the community in its entirety and us.” When referring to the APAC as advisors, Menze referred expressly to Proverbs about wisdom and listening to advisors. “You have also helped steer GRDM to attain a clean audit.”

The GRDM is grateful for the outgoing APAC members and the positive contribution they’ve made and wishes them the best for their future endeavours.

ENDS

1 October 2021 Media Statement: Fraud case opened against two GRDM employees and service provider

Media Statement: Fraud case opened against two GRDM employees and service provider

For Immediate Release
1 October 2021

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Municipal Manager, Mr Monde Stratu, has opened a case of possible fraud against two (2) suspended GRDM employees and a Supplier. This is for the alleged payment of goods that were not received by the Municipality. The Municipality has conducted a preliminary investigation and the supplier has agreed to pay back the money that was not due and payable. This payment relates to the procurement of premix and slurry bags.

According to Mr Stratu, the Municipal Finance Management Act, 56 of 2003, section 32(6) clearly states: “The accounting officer must report to the South African Police Service all cases of alleged – (a) irregular expenditure that constitute a criminal offence; and (b) theft and fraud that occurred in the municipality. ”

GRDM Executive Mayor, Ald. Memory Booysen, commended the administration for proactively probing the alleged procurement irregularities. “Corruption at our municipality will not be tolerated because it takes away the scarce resources that are set aside from public funds,” said Booysen. The Executive Mayor urged the public to allow the legal processes to take their course.

Booysen stated that the GRDM remains committed to working together with the public and private sectors to ensure that corrupt elements in the private and public sectors face the full wrath of the law.

Remember to report any instance of fraud that is linked to the GRDM Ethics & Fraud Hotline, 0800 004 006 or e-mail gardenroutedm@behonest.co.za

ENDS