Corporate Services
Corporate services department led by Ms Gobhozi – Acting General Manager provides administrative function of the Municipality, and it consists of the following sections namely:
- Human Resources Development and Management
- Admin and Auxiliary Services
- Information Communication Technology (ICT)
- Fleet Management
- Security Management Services
- Disaster Management and Fire Services.
The Human Resources Development and Management section focuses on the recruitment, training, and development of staff to ensure that the department has a skilled and motivated workforce. It also handles employee relations, benefits, and compliance with labour laws.
The Admin and Auxiliary Services section is responsible for providing logistical and clerical support to the department. This includes managing office supplies, maintaining records, and ensuring effective communication within the organization.
The Information Communication Technology (ICT) section deals with the implementation and maintenance of technology systems. This includes managing the department’s information systems, ensuring cybersecurity, and providing technical support to staff.
The Fleet Management section oversees the procurement, maintenance, and disposal of municipal vehicles. It ensures that the department has reliable transportation to perform its functions efficiently.
The Security Management Services section is responsible for safeguarding the department's assets, personnel, and information. This includes developing and implementing security policies, conducting risk assessments, and coordinating with law enforcement agencies.
The Disaster Management and Fire Services section focuses on emergency preparedness and response. It develops plans to mitigate the impact of disasters, conducts training exercises, and coordinates with other agencies to ensure a swift and effective response to emergencies.
Corporate Services Members
Ms Makhosi Gobhozi
Acting General Manager:
Corporate Services
039 688 5758
Makhosi.Gobhozi@ugu.gov.za
Ms Makhosi Gobhozi
Senior Manager: Corporate Services and Disaster Management
039 688 2414/6401
Makhosi.Gobhozi@ugu.gov.za
Ms Norma Grobler
Manager: ICT
039 688 3465
Norma.Grobler@ugu.gov.za
Mr Patrick Mzele
Manager: Fleet Management
039 688 4600
Patrick.Mzele@ugu.gov.za
Mr Arthur Mbhele
Manager: Administration and
Auxiliary Services
039 688 5795
Arthur.Mbhele@ugu.gov.za
Mr Senzo Madiba
Manager: Fire and Rescue Services
039 688 6416
Senzo.Madiba@ugu.gov.za
Ms Nokuthaba Gumbi
Manager: Human Resources
039 688 5888
Nokuthaba.Gumbi@ugu.gov.za
Human Resources
Manager: Ms Nokuthaba Gumbi
Email: Nokuthaba.Gumbi@ugu.gov.za
Tel: 039 688 5888
The Human Resources Section provides leadership and works together with other Departments within the Municipality to promote managerial and employee excellence while fostering an understanding and observance of legislative obligations.
This scenario  is critical in building stability in our municipality and ensures that the municipality is optimally resourced and capacitated to fulfil its mandate. The skills and knowledge to select and use effective and efficient criteria and tools to recruit staff, and to capacitate and continuously develop those selected staff, falls within the scope and expertise of human resources division. To be able to not only maintain, but also to develop and improve the workforce, the Human Resources division revises and develops policies, strategies, procedures, and initiatives to ensure that staff perform on a high level.
The Municipality has a staff establishment that talks to the Municipal business and departments are allocated employees according to the functions of each department. The organogram currently has a total of one thousand and twenty-three (1023) positions, and over the past years the Municipality has been able to fill key critical positions in different departments.
The Human Resources Management Services renders a professional support service in respect of the following functional areas:
General Administration
Recruitment and selection and the Induction of newly appointed staff.
Maintaining and monitoring Conditions of Service in terms of the applicable legislation, Bargaining Council agreements and Council policies.
Personnel administration – administration of staff benefits and maintaining employee records including Leave and benefits which are regulated by Collective Agreements and Policies and membership to accredited Pension or Retirement Funds which are compulsory. Along with Leave management, the monitoring and reporting on Leave Management compliance within the municipality. Furthermore, the monitoring and analysis of overtime trends of staff within the municipality with monthly reporting to the Management Committee on the outcomes.
Quarterly workshops are conducted within the municipality to promote professionalism in the workplace.
Organisational Development – The Municipality is currently cascading Individual performance management to levels 2-18. Quarterly reporting is done in respect of all reviews done on a quarterly basis.
Skills Development and Training - Section 68(1) of the Municipal Systems Act states that a municipality must develop its human resource capacity to a level that enables it to perform its functions and exercise its powers in an economical, effective, efficient, and accountable way.
Labor Relations unit – plays a key role in the implementation and maintenance of sound discipline by thoroughly and speedily investigating all allegations of misconduct. The objective of the Labor Relations Unit within the Human Resources Section is to always comply with section 1(d) (iv) of the Labor Relations Act, 66 of 1995 which stipulates that disputes should be resolved quickly and effectively. Strict action is taken to enforce the standards of discipline and service delivery that is endorsed by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996. Consistency and fairness form the cornerstone of each, and every disciplinary action taken. To this end, the Labor Relations unit conduct quarterly awareness drives on a varied array of disciplines associated with employee’s code of conduct required within the municipality.
EHSW Unit – assists in maintaining the health and safety system in the municipality and strives to eradicate injuries by ensuring compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993.
Information and Communication Technology
Manager: Ms Norma Grobler
Email: Norma.Grobler@ugu.gov.za
Tel: 039 688 3465
The ICT Digital Strategy for Ugu District Municipality is designed to steer the Municipality towards a progressive digital future, focusing on long-term strategic objectives. This strategy encompasses a comprehensive background, contextual analysis, and understanding of the ICT needs of both internal stakeholders and citizens. It establishes a strategic framework with key priorities and programs aimed  at delivering value to the Municipality and its constituents over the short, medium, and long terms, supported by a roadmap to achieve these objectives.
The 5 value drivers are:
Lower Municipal cost drivers
Provide Revenue
Delivery efficiencies
Realise developmental goalsÂ
Foster citizen engagement
Value drivers are residing at an Organisational-wide and domain-wide level. As such – are at a strategic level.
To realise the use of digital technology and interventions to deliver value – there are value principles that have been adopted to guide the decision-making process relating to digital projects, governance of digital, the measurement of impact of interventions, and full strategic alignment between Organisational strategy and operational goals and objectives with the digital interventions. The key underpinning technology value principles for the Ugu digital strategy are:
Simplify
Integrate
Give pulse / Data Driven
Lower Costs
Cater for the creation of new services.
Over the period of the Digital strategy, Ugu District Municipality will prioritise the following building blocks and 4IR Initiatives.
Connected Infrastructure
Connected Citizens
Connected Workforce
Paperless administration
Data Driven Local Government
Vision - ICT Digital Team:
To facilitate the use of digital technologies within the Municipality, with a focus on enabling Departments to transform operations and promote the use of data to drive decision making.
Disaster Management
Manager: Ms Makhosi Gobhozi
Email: Makhosi.Gobhozi@ugu.gov.za
Tel: 039 688 2414/6401
The Disaster Management and Fire Services section focuses on emergency preparedness and response and develops plans to mitigate the impact of disasters, conducts training exercises, and coordinates with other agencies to ensure a swift and effective response to emergencies, by plays a coordinating role, rendering full support to all four (04) Local Municipalities, Sector departments, NGOs, and Private organizations.
the district is guided by several Acts, including the Disaster Management Act (Act No. 57 of 2002) that encourages prior planning preparedness by municipalities to:
- anticipate the types of disaster that are likely to occur, in the municipal area and the possible effects.
- place emphasis on measures that reduce the vulnerability of disaster–prone areas, communities, and households.
- consider indigenous knowledge relating to disaster management.
- promote disaster management research.
- identify and address weaknesses in capacity to deal with possible disasters.
- provide for appropriate prevention and mitigation measures.
- establish strategic communication links; and
- facilitate maximum emergency preparedness and response.
The District Contingency plans have an integrated disaster management strategies that combines resources, expertise, and efforts from stakeholders to mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. It includes:
- Early Warning Systems - Developing advanced systems for timely alerts.
- Capacity Building - Strengthening local capacities through training and simulations.
- Ward based Community Approaches - Engaging communities in risk reduction activities.
- Partnerships and Collaboration - Fostering partnerships with NGOs.
- Monitoring and Evaluation - Assessing disaster management interventions for improvement.
Furthermore, the district is required by the Municipal Systems Act No. 32 of 2000 for integration of disaster management plans into development planning processes. Ugu has approved contingency plans that outlines Key Performance Areas (KPAs) and Enablers for management of disasters throughout the district, including:
KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS (KPAS):
- KPA 1: Institutional Capacity for Disaster Management - Establishing and maintaining disaster management arrangements.
- KPA 2: Disaster Risk Assessment - Identifying and analysing potential hazards and vulnerabilities.
- KPA 3: Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) - Integrating DRR into planning and development processes.
- KPA 4: Response and recovery
ENABLERS:
- Enabler 1: Information Management and Communication - Establishing effective information management systems.
- Enabler 2: Education, Training, Public Awareness, and Research - Building a culture of disaster resilience.
- Enabler 3: Funding Mechanisms for Disaster Management - Ensuring sustainable funding for disaster management activities.
LEGISLATION GOVERNING DISASTER MANAGEMENT
- Disaster Management Act (Act No. 57 of 2002).
- Disaster Management Amendment Act (Act No.16 of 2015).
- Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act 108 of 1996.
- The National Disaster Management Framework (Notice 57 of 2005).
- Municipal Systems Act (Act No. 32 of 2000).
The District Disaster Management aims to enhance community resilience and reduce disaster impacts through institutional capacity, risk assessment, and risk reduction, supported by full-bodied information management, education, and funding mechanisms, to ensure enhancement of community resilience that can withstand and recover from disasters, ensuring sustainable development and well-being for all Ugu District citizens. While reducing disaster impacts through institutional capacity, risk assessment, and risk reduction, supported by the collected data.
Administration & Auxiliary Services
Manager: Mr Arthur Mbhele
Email: Arthur.Mbhele@ugu.gov.za
Tel: 039 688 5795
Secretariat
The unit is strictly an administrative wing of the Municipality through which the secretariat functions for Committees of the District Municipal Council such as Council, Exco, Portfolio Committees, Sub-Committees, and Forums take place namely coordination of meetings, taking of minutes and meeting resolutions for implementation.
The Secretariat unit further serves as both the catalyst and the hub of information or engine room that suitably co-ordinates and records all the proceedings of the decision-making bodies for implementation, organisational memory, and future referencing. The unit’s primary focus areas are:
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Scheduling of meetings (physically and virtually);
Collation of agenda items or reports;
Compilation of agendas;
Maintenance of a Resolutions Register for Council, the Executive Committee, Portfolio Committees, Management Meetings, Sub-Committees and Forums;
Dispatching of agendas;
Attending and taking minutes in municipal meetings and;
All other logistics associated with the administration of council committees.
Registry
Section 13(2)(a) of National Archives and Records Service Act of 1996 states that no public record shall be transferred, destroyed, or otherwise disposed of without prior authorization of the National Archivist. The municipality established a registry unit and implements various methods to improve its records management as well as implementing an electronic document management system, which enables easy access to authorised persons to access municipal information and ensure safe record keeping of municipal records.
In line with the above, the purpose of a registry unit is to provide a support function to the municipality in terms of records and records management. The unit is further responsible for the long term and short-term preservation of records of the operations and decision making of the municipality in terms of legislative compliance.
Main Registry Functions:
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File Plan Compliance
Electronic Document Management System (EDMS)
Manual Records Management
Coordinate and manages related work in respect of the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA)
Coordinate and manages related work in respect of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA)
Training and Awareness associated with Records Management
Archiving
Monitoring and Compliance
Offsite document storage
Messengering Services
Tender Room Management
Auxiliary Services
The administration of a municipality is governed by the democratic values and principles of ethics, efficiency, effectiveness and accountability (Section 195 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa,1996). The task of any section within a municipality demands adherence to these requirements irrespective of its size, legislation, importance or insignificance.
Organisations have essential administrative and other pivotal support functions that are not necessarily statutory prescribed but that are necessary in order for organisations to function. In municipalities these functions are referred to as Auxiliary Services.
The primary focus areas of the Auxiliary Services Unit are:
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Building Maintenance
Security Services
Office Accommodation & Office Furniture
Telephony
Office Automation
Facilities and Contracted Services
Base Telecommunication Station services
Security Services
Manager: Mr Mthokozisi Mkhomo
Email: Mthokozisi.Mkhomo@ugu.gov.za
Tel: 039 688 3494
The Security Services Section is vital for providing security services to the Municipality. It is responsible for security services, Â VIP security for the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and Speaker, and protects municipal assets, office bearers, councillors, and staff at Council properties.
Security Services Vision
The Security Implementation Plan of Ugu District Municipality is a comprehensive, structured framework of policies and procedures designed to attain security objectives. It aims to safeguard Ugu District Municipality against life-threatening situations targeting municipal employees, as well as prevent theft, vandalism, and loss of both physical and financial assets belonging to the municipality.
Externally, the municipality has contracted Four Security Service Providers, each focusing on a specific area:
Area South
Area North
Area South West
Area South Central
Fleet Management Services
Manager: Mr Patrick Mzele
Email: Patrick.Mzele@ugu.gov.za
Tel: 039 688 4600
Vehicle replacement is the responsibility of the Fleet Section and Ugu District municipality has about 246 fleet vehicles within its Fleet, used primarily for water services provision.
Fleet Management plays a very integral part in the execution of daily activities in the Municipality and is one of the biggest spenders of the operational budget thus its proper management is of utmost importance. Fleet Management involves the following functions:
Identification of vehicles for replacement and disposal.
Repair and maintenance of vehicles.
Licensing of vehicles.
Monitoring fuel usage and vehicle abuse.
Annual verification of vehicles and driver’s licenses; and
Accident management.
Key Performance Indicators
% Implementation of fleet maintenance plan
% Implementation of fleet licensing plan
Number of fleet management committee meetings
% Verification of driver’s licenses and PDP’s
% Availability of service delivery vehicles
Fire and Rescue Services
Manager: Mr Senzo Madiba
Email Address: Senzo.Madiba@ugu.gov.za
Tel: 039 688 6416
The purpose of fire Services function is to prevent the outbreak and/or spread of fire, extinguishing of fires, and protection of the life and property against fire or other threatening dangers and the rescue of life or property.
Moreover, the District Fire Services is guided by the White Paper on Fire Services, which outlines strategies and recommendations for enhancing fire safety and response mechanisms within the district. This White Paper emphasizes the importance of community involvement, the integration of advanced technology in firefighting operations, and continuous training and capacity-building for fire service personnel. It also addresses the need for collaboration with other emergency service providers to ensure a holistic approach to disaster management and risk reduction.
The Fire Services function is composed of the following programmes:
- Fire Compliance Inspections
- Improvement of Fire Services Exposure and Resources
- Institutional Development
The objectives of the Ugu Fire Services and fire protection activities are:
- To protect human life, property, public land assets, and values
- To control all wildfires, on or threatening public land, in the shortest possible time in a manner which is fast, determined, safe, and thorough, giving due regard to management objectives, environmental values, and economy
In addition to the primary responsibilities, the unit is actively involved in various community outreach and educational programs. These initiatives aim to raise awareness about fire safety and prevention. Activities include conducting school visits, organizing community fire drills, and distributing educational materials that cover fire safety tips, emergency procedures, and the importance of smoke detectors.
Furthermore, the unit works closely with local municipalities to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Regular inspections are conducted to identify potential fire hazards and enforce necessary safety measures. The unit also assists in developing emergency evacuation plans and provides training on the proper use of fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment.
To enhance the operational efficiency, The district has started the process of acquiring advanced fire engines, aerial ladders, and specialized rescue tools, which enable the unit to respond swiftly and effectively to various emergency situations. The integration of modern technology, such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and real-time incident reporting systems, further improves the unit's capability to manage and coordinate response efforts.
The Fire Services unit also maintains collaboration with other emergency and security services, including the police, ambulance services, Joint training exercises and simulations are regularly conducted to ensure seamless coordination and communication during emergencies. This collaborative approach ensures that all agencies are well-prepared to handle complex and large-scale incidents, minimizing the impact on the community.
The dedication and professionalism of the Fire Services personnel is key to the success of the unit. Continuous training and professional development are prioritized to equip the firefighters with the latest skills and knowledge. This commitment to excellence ensures that the unit remains at the forefront of fire safety and emergency response, safeguarding the well-being of the district's residents and properties.