5.4 The skills shortage in the District was a concern due the rural nature of the District which is unable to attract skilled workers at all levels. This situation was also exacerbated by the grading capacity assessment of the Municipality which it inherited from its locals. The highest graded local municipality is at grade 3, which according to the District provided very low salaries. It is due to this fact again that the District was unable attract highly skilled workers. 5.5 Caretaker Municipal Manager: He indicated that the Municipality has experienced severe performance deficiencies over a long period of time, especially in its administration, technical and corporate services functions. These deficiencies have resulted in failures in financial controls; lack of legal compliance and as a result service delivery was compromised. By early 2009, the situation had become critical and it required an urgent and extensive but carefully considered intervention. In April 2009, Mr Thandolwethu Tubane was appointed as a Caretaker Municipal Manager and prepared a turn-around strategy to address the shortcomings. The turn-around strategy seeks to address performance and financial problem that is sufficiently serious and sustained, in order the Municipality could benefit from a financial recovery plan.