Question to the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs - NW3574

16 November 2023 - NW3574

Groenewald, Mr IM to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

(1)Whether her department keeps a record of the categories of engineers employed in municipalities; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what is the total number of (a) mechanical, (b) electrical, (c) civil and (d) chemical engineers that are employed in each municipality in each province that is supported by the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent; (2) whether any of the specified engineers are registered with recognised professional bodies; if not, why not; if so, with which bodies; (3) what is the total number of vacancies in each municipality for the specified positions; (4) whether she will make a statement on the matter?

Source
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Reply:

1. The Department of Cooperative Governance (DCOG) keeps a record of engineers employed in municipalities that are supported by the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA). As of December 2022, the total number of (a) mechanical, (b) electrical, (c) civil and (d) chemical engineers employed is provided on Annexure A attached hereto.

2. Yes, some of the engineers are registered with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) and shown on Annexure A as professionally registered. Some of the engineers are not registered as they are still gaining the requisite experience required for professional registration.

3. According to the respective municipalities, the total number of vacancies is provided on Annexure A attached hereto.

4. The vacant posts get advertised in local and national newspapers as well as on the municipalities’ websites in some instances.

5. The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs will not make a statement on the matter as the vacancies are filled as and when they become available anytime during the year when the incumbent leaves the position. Furthermore, the Department of Cooperative Governance (DCOG) through MISA deploys professionally registered engineers, among other built environment professionals, to provide technical support for infrastructure development to the municipalities.

End.