Staff Reporter
The Labour Court in the Free State has dismissed an application by an aggrieved candidate who failed to secure a job at Metsimaholo Local Municipality and wanted the process stopped because he believed he was the most qualified for the position.
John Motloung is said to have applied for the position of director for corporate services some time last year and was shortlisted for the position together with other candidates.
The municipality however decided to re-advertise the post together with others as it was not satisfied with the quality of candidates interviewed.
Several other appointments of managers reporting to the municipal manager were also set aside by the municipality.
A disgruntled Motloung then approached the Labour Court on an urgent basis seeking an interdict.
According to court papers, Motloung’s contention was that he was earlier shortlisted and recommended for appointment at the Sasolburg-based municipality.
“. . . the municipality used its prerogative not to appoint any of the recommended applicants and subsequently re-advertised the positions,” Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) provincial spokesperson Zolile Lobe said in a statement.
“The applicant approached the Labour Court on an urgent basis to interdict the municipality from reopening the process,” he added.
But after considering arguments from the applicant and the respondents, the court ruled that there was no basis in law to stop the municipality from re-advertising the positions and duly filling them.
Motloung had cited CoGTA MEC Thembeni Nxangisa, CoGTA Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma and Metsimaholo municipality as the respondents.
“The department has been vindicated in the court application brought by Mr John Motloung,” said Lobe.
Judgment was delivered on Monday and all parties were ordered to cover their own costs.
Nxangisa urged the municipality to expedite the process of filing the posts and ensure improved service delivery.