Speaker, thank you to Mr Van der Merwe for the advice, which we will also take. Focusing on the issue of those that are employed, one of the main reasons for dysfunctionality, as we know, in municipalities is nepotism, cronyism and, of course, cadre deployment, as we focus on the aspects of those that are employed.
Hon President, would you ensure that the ground-breaking provisions of the recently enacted Local Government: Municipal Systems Amendment Act will be strictly enforced? As you are aware, any municipal manager appointment will be null and void if the person appointed to such position does not have the required skills, expertise, competencies or qualifications. Performance agreements will also be required, and managers dismissed for fraud and corruption will not be able to be re-employed.
Hon President, will the rule also be enforced that municipal managers and other managers are prohibited from holding political office in any political party? These aspects are part of that legislation, and strict implementation of these provisions will go a long way to professionalise local government and improve service delivery. Thank you.