Clarification on Appointment of Deputy CFO at Merafong City Local Municipality
- Karen Scheepers
- Aug 19
- 2 min read
Date: 19 August 2025
The Merafong City Local Municipality has issued a public clarification regarding the appointment of its Deputy Chief Financial Officer (DCFO). This follows concerns and public scrutiny surrounding the nature and timing of the appointment, as well as broader questions around institutional restructuring and ethical hiring practices within the municipality.
Background and Appointment Process
According to the municipality, the DCFO position was created as part of a high-level organisational restructuring strategy adopted by the Council on 29 November 2023. The new structure aimed to rectify long-standing institutional weaknesses and improve municipal service delivery.
The appointment was made following an open, competitive, and merit-based recruitment process, in line with the Municipal Systems Act and related Municipal Staff Regulations. The position was formally advertised and filled on 1 April 2024 on a fixed-term basis, specifically as an interim measure to address previous audit shortcomings.
Government Oversight and Audit Findings
On 30 May 2024, the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) raised concerns regarding aspects of the revised municipal structure. However, these comments were submitted after the DCFO appointment had already taken place. The municipality has confirmed ongoing, constructive engagement with CoGTA and the MEC to incorporate relevant feedback.
Addressing broader concerns over ethical conduct, the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA), through spokesperson Mr. Khutsafalo Mnisi, noted that AGSA’s systems are robust and allow for independent audits. The AGSA clarified that the transition of former AGSA employees to municipal roles does not inherently present a conflict of interest when properly managed. Furthermore, the AGSA’s 2023/24 financial audit report identified no irregularities or legal violations concerning the DCFO’s appointment.
Key Contributions of the Deputy CFO
Since taking office, the Deputy CFO has played a critical role in stabilizing Merafong’s Finance Department after a six-year period marked by leadership instability. Notable contributions include:
Audit Opinion Improvement: The municipality improved from two consecutive disclaimers and one adverse opinion to receiving a qualified audit opinion in the 2023/24 financial year.
Strengthening of Financial Staffing: Key appointments were made in areas such as Financial Reporting and Revenue Management.
Internal Promotions: Interns trained under the National Treasury program, with over five years of service, were promoted to senior positions, including Chief Accountant roles in Budget, Treasury, and Expenditure.
Corrective Action Plans: The DCFO led the development of audit correction strategies that earned recognition from the Gauteng MEC for Finance and Economic Development. These efforts also contributed to Merafong receiving a SALGA Award for progress in addressing historical audit issues.
Conclusion
The Merafong City Local Municipality reaffirms its commitment to ethical, transparent, and performance-driven governance. While acknowledging CoGTA’s advisory inputs, the municipality takes pride in the significant progress made in financial recovery, largely attributed to the effective collaboration between the CFO and Deputy CFO. The municipality maintains that the appointment was lawful, justified, and instrumental in restoring fiscal discipline.
Comments