Local Government, Environ-mental Affairs and Development Planning
With reference to a News24 article published on 3 February 2021 titled “Cape Town’s safety and security boss resigns, citing early retirement”:
- When was the position “COVID-19 Crisis Coordinator” created on the staff establishment, (b) what is the position’s grading and (c) whether the position is a section 56 appointment;
- whether the position was advertised; if not, why not; if so, (a) where was the advertisement published and (b) can a copy be provided;
- (a) what recruitment and selection process was followed, (b) what is the annual salary package for the position, (c) what is the job description, (d) what are the qualification requirements and (e) why was it necessary to create this position;
- (a) why could the Executive Director responsible for Disaster Risk Management and/or the Executive Director responsible for Community Services and Health not manage the City’s response to COVID-19, (b) what is the total cost implications of this decision for the City and (c) what is the period of the contract of appointment?
This question relates to the affairs of the City of Cape Town. The City of Cape Town maintains that parliamentary questions are intended to hold the executive accountable for their official decisions and actions and cannot be used to hold local government accountable for its decisions and actions.
The City of Cape Town further maintains that the Executive Mayor and City Manager are accountable to the City Council for the exercise of their duties, not to the Provincial Parliament.
There is no statutory provision that requires the City of Cape Town to provide information relating to or answers to parliamentary questions. Given the position taken by the City of Cape Town, the above question cannot be replied to at this stage.
A legal opinion has been sought on the position taken by the City of Cape Town.
