Finance and Economic Opportunities
With regard to funded posts in the Department of Economic Development and Tourism:
1(a) What is the number of vacancies in (i) senior to top management and (ii) all other levels that currently exist in his Department as at the latest date for which information is available, (b)(i) what are the reasons for each post being vacant, (ii) how long has each post been vacant and (iii) what are the plans to fill the vacancies and (c)(i) what is the number of people who are currently holding acting roles in vacant positions in senior to top management, (ii) what is the rationale for having acting persons as opposed to filling the vacancies, (iii) for how long have these people been acting and (iv) when will each vacancy be filled;
2. whether the vacancies have had any impact in the work of his Department to achieve its set targets; if not, why not; if so, (a) what are the relevant details and (b) how many targets are affected?
(1)(a)(i) and (1)(a)(ii) Information reflected below is as at 30 June 2021
In terms of the DPSA’s methodology of identification of vacancies, the Department reflects the following:
(1)(a)(i) The number of funded vacancies in terms of Senior Management Service (SMS) posts is 3;
(1)(b)(ii) The number of funded vacancies in non-SMS posts is 11.
(1)(b)(i) what are the reasons for each post being vacant,
These posts became vacant due to staff exiting the department as a result of a resignation, taking on promotion posts and where funding has been allocated due to the post being linked to a strategic priority of the Western Cape Recovery Plan and the Departmental 5-year Strategic Plan. It must be noted that all vacant and funded posts are currently in the Recruitment and Selection process.
In addition, in line with Budget Circular 1 of 2020, and as resolved on 19 May 2020 and adopted on 19 June 2020, Cabinet further confirmed that the respective Accounting Officers, in concert with their respective Ministers, are accountable to ensure the filling of only critical vacancies within the applicable frameworks. As such, the Department embarked on a process of only filling key critical posts based on an assessment of strategic impacts, operational impacts, legal requirements, and efficiency gains.
(1)(b)(ii) how long has each post been vacant
It is to be noted that 2 SMS posts became vacant by means of resignation. The Director: Business Regulation became vacant on 16 August 2019. As a result of cost containment on COE and the process of reprioritisation of funds to only critical posts, this post was delayed.
The Director: Red Tape Reduction became vacant on 1 February 2021.
The Director: Green Economy Programmes post has been vacant and funded since 2019. The Department immediately embarked on the filling of the vacancy, however after 2 unsuccessful recruitment processes the 3rd process is currently in the final stage.
The other funded vacancies occurred during the last 12 months. Currently 6 of the 10 are within the Recruitment and Selection process and the remaining 4 vacancies will be advertised within the next bulletin.
Post | Date of vacancy due to availability of funding | Current recruitment status |
Director: Business Regulation | As at 16 August 2019 the post became vacant and funded. | Nomination |
Director: Red Tape Reduction | As at 1 February 2021 the post became vacant and funded. | Interview stage |
Director: Green Economy Programmes | As at 2019 the post became vacant and funded. | Nomination stage |
Accounting Clerk: Management Accounting | As at 1 March 2021 the post became vacant and funded. | Shortlisting |
Deputy Director: Red Tape Reduction | As at 2 March 2021 post became vacant and funded. | Shortlisting |
State Accountant: Management Accounting | As at 1 April 2021 the post became vacant and funded. | Shortlisting |
Procurement Clerk: Supply Chain Management | As at 2 March 2021 post became vacant and funded. | Shortlisting |
State Accountant: Assurance Services | As at 20 April 2021 post became vacant and funded. | Advert |
Deputy Director: Skills Programmes and Projects | As at 2 March 2021 post became vacant and funded. | Advert |
2 x Assistant Director: Skills Development | As at 2 March 2021 post became vacant and funded. | To commence advertising within upcoming bulletin |
Assistant Director: Enterprise Development | As at 1 July 2021 post became vacant and funded. | To commence advertising within upcoming bulletin |
Admin Officer Support: Economic Enablement | As at 1 July 2021 post became vacant and funded. | To commence advertising within upcoming bulletin |
(1)(b)(iii) what are the plans to fill the vacancies
In addition to the filling of the above mentioned critical funded posts the department will continue to use the methodology of filling posts based on an assessment of strategic impacts, operational impacts, legal requirements, and efficiency gains. COE budget review is a key focus to ensure that there are no delays in the filling of critical posts.
(1)(c) (i) what is the number of people who are currently holding acting roles in vacant positions in senior to top management, (ii) what is the rationale for having acting persons as opposed to filling the vacancies, (iii) for how long have these people been acting and (iv) when will each vacancy be filled;
1 (c) (i) There are currently 3 officials acting within SMS posts.
Post | Rationale for acting (1)(c)(ii) | Period of acting (1)(c)(iii) | When will the vacancy be filled 1 (c) (iv) |
Director: Business Regulation | The acting appointment was required to fulfill a Regulatory function within the Office of the Consumer Protection unit. | 16 September 2020 to 28 February 2021 1 May 2021 to 31 August 2021 | The submission is currently awaiting cabinet noting for filling |
Director: Red Tape Reduction | To perform the function linked to the Ease of Doing Business portfolio which has been identified as one of the strategic priorities for the department | 15 February 2021 – 31 July 2021 | Is currently in Interview stage |
Director: Economic Research and Development | Data modeling and Research have been identified as a key enabler in strategic processes assisting the Department with its response to managing of the Covid-19 impact on the economy. | 8 June 2021 to 8 December 2021 |
This post has been earmarked for critical filling within the second phase of identification of posts |
(2)(a)(b) (1) whether the vacancies have had any impact in the work of his Department to achieve its set targets; if not, why not; if so, (a) what are the relevant details and (b) how many targets are affected?
No, the vacancies have not had any impact on the department’s ability to achieve its set targets.
