An internal investigation has been initiated by the Msunduzi Municipality in response to allegations of tampering with recruitment documents, missing recordings, and interference in the selection process for the deputy municipal manager for community services. The claims, which include manipulating scorecards to favor an unqualified candidate, were brought to light in a confidential report presented during a special council meeting at the City Hall.
The meeting, which was held behind closed doors with only four items on the agenda, saw opposition councillors confirming the investigation but refraining from commenting due to the sensitive nature of the discussions.
According to a source familiar with the matter, out of the initial 10 shortlisted candidates, seven were eliminated, leaving three finalists in the running for the position. The source revealed that there were concerns about stolen and tampered materials used during the recruitment process, with scorecards being manipulated to benefit an unqualified candidate.
The irregularities came to light when the acting city manager flagged discrepancies after a competency assessment identified the unqualified candidate as the preferred choice. It was then disclosed that there had been tampering with the materials, leading to calls for an investigation into the matter before proceeding with the appointment.
The appointment for the deputy municipal manager position has been put on hold pending the outcome of the investigation, leaving the role vacant for two years and continuing to be filled in an acting capacity.
A second source alleged that political interference may have played a role in the disruptions, citing the disappearance of documentation and recordings as indicators of the extent of corruption within the process. The source claimed that the preferred candidate had connections to a high-ranking politician in Msunduzi, potentially explaining the lengths to which individuals were willing to go to secure the appointment.
Municipal spokesperson Ntobeko Mkhize confirmed the ongoing investigation, emphasizing the municipality’s commitment to upholding the integrity of recruitment processes. Mkhize stated that further details would be provided once the investigation is concluded and based on its findings.
The article, originally published in The Witness, highlights the importance of maintaining transparency and fairness in recruitment processes within the municipality. The outcome of the investigation will shed light on the extent of the alleged tampering and interference, ensuring that the appointment process is conducted with integrity and accountability.
