Director: Technical, Infrastructure & Community Services

The Director: Technical, Infrastructure and Community Services is a senior executive post within Kgatelopele Municipality, a local authority situated in the green Kalahari region of the Northern Cape’s ZF Mgcawu District. Reporting directly to the Municipal Manager, this permanent appointment carries overall responsibility for directing a broad portfolio of community-facing services, including refuse removal, parks and recreational facilities, traffic and disaster management, cemeteries, and library services. The role is established as a Section 57 senior management position under the Municipal Systems Act, which means the successful candidate will be required to sign an employment contract and a performance agreement upon appointment, and the appointment will be made in accordance with the regulations governing the appointment and conditions of employment of senior managers.

The ideal candidate must hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering or a BTech in Engineering, recognised by SAQA, or an equivalent relevant qualification, together with at least five years’ experience in a middle management role within the public sector, preferably in local government. A certificate in the Municipal Financial Management Programme is required, or the ability to complete it within eighteen months in line with the Minimum Competency Levels Regulations. Registration with a recognised engineering professional body will be an added advantage. The municipality seeks an innovative and strategic leader with proven experience in institutional transformation, sound budget and financial management skills, and extensive knowledge of the public office environment. A good understanding of relevant policies and legislation, institutional governance systems, performance management, and council operations and delegation of powers is essential, as are strong facilitation and communication skills in at least two or three official languages.

The Director will be responsible for planning and prioritising the department’s activities in accordance with municipal legislation, managing the effective provision of refuse removal and maintenance of municipal parks, and taking overall responsibility for leading traffic and disaster management, recreational facilities, graveyards, and library services. The role also involves providing strategic leadership, managing subordinates responsible for the maintenance and cleaning of open areas and streets, and ensuring that key strategic objectives are achieved and that effective services are rendered to the community. In addition, the post requires the ability to formulate engineering master planning, and to lead project management and implementation.

Shortlisted candidates will be subjected to security vetting, including verification of qualifications, reference checks, and screening for criminal records, financial misconduct, and nationality. They will also be required to disclose all financial interests. The municipality reserves the right to cancel an employment contract and recover all costs incurred if false or insufficient information is submitted, and canvassing for the appointment is strictly prohibited. Applicants who do not receive communication within thirty days of the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful.