“The question asked of me recently was, given the reputation of local government, should aspirant officials be selective when applying for a job in this space?”
David suggests that interviewees probe 5 areas.
1. Reputation.
One of the hallmarks of a local or district municipality is the Auditor Generals report on compliance to laws regulations, financial statements and performance information. Did they achieve a good audit outcome?
Joining such a municipality means that the candidate can expect good governance and can focus on sustaining that performance and helping to take it to the next level.
“Don’t discard poor performing municipalities out of hand because you can accelerate your learning curve and earn your spurs by playing a role in their turnaround. This scenario is especially true when an experienced and committed executive team is injected into a municipality to fix it”.
2. Vision.
Just because a municipality is strong on governance does not mean that service delivery is sustainable if it does not have the vision and will to change. The public sector is evolving, seeking new answers to old questions, and asking new questions.
“Ask about the municipality’s vision for the future. If you’re met with a blank stare, think about whether you can spark a change. Can you be part of the solution? If the interviewer replies with plans for a smart city, initiatives to provide uninterrupted power supply, innovative ways of attracting revenue and investors into the region, new initiatives for water security or reducing crime among others, then you’re in for an exciting ride”.
3. Growth.
You’ve sacrificed time and money to obtain a professional qualification, but you know that your efforts are only a ticket to the game, and you now need to push on in the real world.
“The development pathway is not only about doing your job well. It’s about excelling in your job. Get a sense of the municipality’s commitment to developing their employees so that you can excel. Also, find out more about your supervisor or manager because they will be your mentor and inspiration. You can also ask for real examples of officials who have taken their game to another level, excelled, and been acknowledged”.
4. Understanding.
It is seldom that a new official understands the full extent of opportunities within a municipal environment. For example, within the Finance Division there are at least six specialist areas which are all key portfolios. Talk to the interviewer about the makeup of a division because that will illustrate the opportunities on your doorstep.
“Municipalities don’t do enough to educate students and graduates on career trajectories. There are many moving parts in any municipality which can encourage people to join the public sector and pursue a fulfilling career”.
5. Culture.
Simplistically, culture is a shared way of doing something with passion. In the public sector arena, this translates into resident and community fulfilment, obtaining funding for necessary and visionary projects, and attracting investment into the region. It is also about providing South Africans with hope.
“Culture starts at the top and sets the tone for any organisation. Prompt the interviewer to describe the municipality’s culture in one sentence. At Weskus Distrik, we have a unifying call to action of Laat Waai. This means that after we have ticked the compliance boxes, we make things happen.
Selecting a municipality for a career place you in a position to fulfil your potential, ambitions and importantly, be part of South Africa’s solution. The two primary considerations when selecting an opportunity are intertwined: Will you be empowered to make a difference? And can you fulfil your aspirations”.
David Joubert
Municipal Manager
Weskus Distrik.
10177 (022) 433 8700
Is the Emergency number for the Fire and Medical Services within the West Coast District.
Is die Noodnommer vir die Brandweer- en Mediesedienste binne die Weskus Distrik.
