Acting Secretary to the Council of the City of Johannesburg, Andile Gobinca. Picture: Itumeleng English/ Independent Newspaper
ActionSA has voiced strong opposition to the appointment of Andile Gobinca as secretary at the City of Johannesburg citing concerns over his qualifications for the R2 million per annum job.
Gobinca has been the acting secretary of the council since July 2022.
According to the COJ job advert that was advertised for the position of secretary to the council earlier this year, it stated that the qualifications needed included: Matric/Grade 12; qualification in Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or equivalent NQF level 8; a Masters qualification, and or a company secretarial professional qualification and registration with the Institute of Company Secretaries of Southern Africa (ICSA) which which was an added advantage.
The skills required included in-depth knowledge and understanding of the legislature and service delivery environments and its legislation; knowledge of political and community protocol including the knowledge of the different political agendas and community needs and requirements; and knowledge of local government environment and its factors, government-wide policies,and the ability to interpret and apply policies and legislations just to name a few.
The salary was R 2,148,405 per annum.
Speaking to IOL, spokesperson of ActionSA Khumo Mashala said the reason they objected to Gobinca’s appointment was because he didn’t have the 10 years experience as well as qualifications needed in the legal field.
Mashala said Gobinca was the Director of Finance and he only had finance qualifications and not the LLB required.
ActionSA’s Joburg caucus leader Nobuhle Mthembu emphasised the critical need for individuals with appropriated legal qualifications and local governance experience to occupy such pivotal roles within municipal administration.
“While we acknowledge his alternative academic achievements, we firmly believe that this position should be held by an individual with relevant legal qualifications and experience in local governance, as well as a well-rounded understanding of the legal field,” she said.
The party expressed its refusal to endorse a precedent where candidates are appointed without being unquestionably fit for their positions.
Mthembu announced that ActionSA intends to seek legal advice with the goal of overturning what they perceive as the detrimental decision by the council.
“Consequently, ActionSA will seek legal advice with the aim of rescinding this detrimental decision, where the council opted to endorse someone without suitable qualifications.’’
Furthermore, Mthembu alluded that the council also overlooked Mohammed Ismail Khan for the position of Integrity Commissioner, despite his qualifications.
Khan brings over 21 years of legal practise and 22 years as a Magistrate to the table, and in addition holds no political affiliations said Mthembu.
“ActionSA contends that if the council is serious about rebuilding our City, this must be reflected in the decisions we make.
“Our principled value of ethical leadership obviates our strong disapproval of this appointment,’’ said Mthembu.
ActionSA also stressed that the appointment of Mayor Cllr Kabelo Gwamanda, who they said held a Grade 10 certificate, was another example of the council’s questionable decision-making.
“Despite our concerns, we were met with insults, and today, the city is in a state of disaster as a consequence of hiring a questionable competency,” she said.
IOL