The Grootfontein Municipality continues to operate without a substantive chief executive officer (CEO) two years after the position was vacated.
This raises growing concerns over leadership stability and effective service delivery at the town.
Despite shortlisting and interviewing over 30 candidates in February since the post became vacant, no suitable applicant has been appointed.
“The initial process to appoint the substantive CEO in February 2025 was unsuccessful, following the interviewed candidates performing below the minimum score standard,” acting CEO Indileni Lungameni says.
“The vacancy was readvertised on 9 July. This has resulted in repeated setbacks in filling the critical position,” he says.
According to Lungameni, the municipality not having a substantive CEO for nearly two years has not had any operational impact.
“The council has achieved significant milestones, such as launching its 2023 to 2028 strategic plan, constructing social housing and a fire station, stabilising finances, and completing infrastructure services at Grootfontein Proper (Woodland) Omulunga extensions 6 and 8.
“They also focused on road maintenance, policy development, recruitment, and strengthening stakeholder relations.”
He says the council has made significant strides in restoring and strengthening its public image through these strategic initiatives.
One of the notable milestones he mentioned was the ongoing implementation of smart prepaid water meters and standpipes aimed at enhancing service delivery.
The leadership vacuum began in May 2023, when previous CEO Kisco Sinvula was suspended amid allegations of serious misconduct.
Although judge Boas Usiku of the High Court had ruled that he be reinstated, the directive was never implemented.
Instead, Sinvula was reportedly dismissed, with municipal officials citing gross misconduct and a breakdown in professional relationships.
In previous statements published in local media, chairperson of the management committee Elizabeth Kastoor claimed the previous CEO had shown “disrespect and disregard” for his colleagues.
Governance analyst Joseph Ilonga says the absence of a substantive CEO in local government structures remains a pressing challenge in public administration, with far-reaching operational and strategic consequences.
“Without clear leadership, municipal departments often hesitate to make critical decisions, fearing reversals once a permanent CEO is appointed. This uncertainty can stifle progress, leaving employees demoralised and less productive as the organisation’s direction remains unclear,” he says.
“A permanent CEO is directly accountable to the council for policy implementation, whereas interim leaders or acting appointees often lack the same level of responsibility and scrutiny.”
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