Durban - An eThekwini municipal unit head has been hauled over the coals for attempting to subject his subordinates to a 14-hour drive to the Western Cape, while he would fly in comfort to the same event.
His explanation that it was for “austerity measures” was dismissed by city councillors, who said this was “unfair” and would demotivate the officials. He was instructed to “find money” for them to fly.
Vincent Ngubane, disaster management and emergency control unit head, endured a barrage of criticism when he submitted a report to the municipality’s community and emergency services committee last week. The report motivated for him and 10 officials in his unit to attend the second annual Disaster Management Institute of Southern Africa conference in the Eden district municipality (George) in the Western Cape next month. The conference is over three days.
Ngubane outlined a R113 000 “estimated spend”, with a breakdown indicating that R74 000 would be spent on conference registration, R24 000 on accommodation and R8 000 for his flights and car hire. However, just R7 000 was budgeted for officials’ transport and tollgate fees.
Ngubane’s report recommends that “the bulk of staff (10) travel to the venue by a council vehicle, with a stopover night accommodation, as this is far more economical than flight bookings”.
The report states that the head is required to attend institute council meetings and the annual general meeting, and would therefore travel “independent of the group”.
“We have done the analysis… It is more economical to travel most of the staff on the road (sic). It will cost us more than double if they were to fly,” explained Ngubane.
Committee chairwoman Zandile Gumede was aggrieved by the arrangement.
She said: “I think you should listen carefully to what I’m about to say; firstly, we (councillors) are leaders of this city. It is led by us politicians, and not by officials. Our task is to make sure that, as officials, you move together - you complement one other.”
She said the municipality did not want a situation in which officials never flew to distant venues while on municipal business.
“From Durban to Cape Town - I’ve done it - it is not a joke. You get there and your feet are swollen. Disaster is one of our priorities. We must make sure that our officials are happy,” she said.
She instructed Ngubane to “go and check your budget” before the committee could approve the report.
“Let our officials enjoy the fruits (of labour) so that they will be able to give service with a smile,” she said.
“This thing of ‘us’ and ‘them’ creates a problem. Yes, you are the boss, but allow our officials to go to King Shaka International Airport and feel appreciated.”
According to Ngubane’s report, the conference is “recognised as the mouthpiece of the disaster management profession in Southern Africa”.
“The conference provides an annual opportunity for stakeholders to gather and share skills, knowledge and experience,” the report reads.
It is co-ordinated by the Western Cape government, the South African Weather Service, the Eden District Municipality, the co-operative governance and traditional affairs’ disaster management centre and the UN International Strategy for Disaster Reduction.
This year’s theme is “International Strategy for Disaster Reduction: The 2030 Resilience, Sustainability and Adaption Mandate”.
DA councillor in the committee Shontel Asbury commended Ngubane for his attempt to save the city money.
The Mercury