The newly appointed general manager of corporate services at the Vhembe District Municipality (VDM), Ms Thawedi Daily Maputla, said compliance with legislation needed to extend to all employees of the municipality, which would enhance accountability and service delivery.

“We will strive to maintain the corporate image of the VDM at a high standard,” she said, adding that her focus would be on ensuring that labour relations were respected, and that employee wellness remained a priority.

Maputla, along with Xiluva Ngobeni, a newly appointed graphic designer, and several other employees, were welcomed by the executive mayor of the VDM, Freda Nkondo, and the municipal manager, Zwannda Kutama, on Monday, 21 October. Maputla replaces Mr Cedrick Tshikovha, who recently retired.

Mayor Nkondo said one of the key mandates for the VDM was to fill critical vacant positions in the municipality, especially senior posts such as the one Ms Maputla has now taken up.

“We are pleased to be able to count on someone like you to lead a strategic department responsible for the administrative functions of the municipality. Understanding that you are a high-profile administrator in human resource management, your academic qualifications and experience lend positive meaning to your role. As you join us, let me indicate that you will be leading a team of individuals with diverse cultures, religions, and beliefs,” said Nkondo.

Earlier this week, the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Limpopo issued a statement expressing concern over the large number of vacant senior positions in Limpopo municipalities. The municipalities in the province have struggled to fill many of these managerial positions over the past five years.