CITY OF UMHLATHUZE MUNICIPALITY

The City of uMhlathuze is one of the fastest growing municipalities in South Africa, offering the ideal combination of a rewarding career and pleasant working conditions. Interested and qualified applicants are invited to apply for the following position that is based in Richards Bay – Civic Centre: Applications must reach the address as indicated. Candidates must state clearly the position to which appointment is sought. Applicants are requested to furnish telephone number/s at which they may be contacted.

CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER 

PERMANENT APPOINTMENT • REF: S56002/2026

ANNUAL TOTAL REMUNERATION PACKAGE: IN TERMS THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTENOTICE NO. 55150 DATED 5 AUGUST 2026. 

REQUIREMENTS: • A Grade 12/ Matric Certificate • A relevant Postgraduate Degree or relevant qualification registered on the National Qualifications Framework at NQF Level 8 with a minimum of 120 credits • A minimum of 7 years’ experience at senior and middle management level, of which at least 2 years’ must be at Senior Management level • A valid driver’s licence • A Certificate in Municipal Financial Management Programme (MFMP) or Certificate Programme in Municipal Development (CPMD) is essential. If a newly appointed person is not in possession of this Competency, he/she must complete it within eighteen (18) months from the date of employment, failing which, the employment contract will terminate automatically within one month after the applicable period • At least 10 years’ relevant experience in local government and registration with a relevant professional body will be an added advantage.

KNOWLEDGE: • Good knowledge and interpretation of policy and legislation • Good knowledge and understanding of institutional governance systems and performance management • Good knowledge of Supply Chain Management regulations and the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act, 2000 (Act No 05 of 2000).

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS: • Develop, implement and manage strategic goals, policies, procedures and plans for the Department and align them with the strategic objectives of the Municipality • Integrate service delivery in the context of Council’s IDP and oversee the implementation • Develop and implement an intergovernmental protocol through coordination of IDP • Manage the development and implementation of external relations between the Municipality, stakeholders, other spheres of government and international partners to achieve alignment with the council’s priorities, as expressed in its IDP • Manage the Department’s budget planning, implementation and review to support deliverables in relation to the IDP • Manage the development, implementation and review of the Municipality’s vision and long-term strategy• Provide advice and support to Council, the City Manager and other office bearers on all functions of the Department: * Integrated Development Planning * Service delivery * Enterprise Risk Management * Communications * Public Participation and Councillor Support * Performance Management * Internal Audit * Research, Knowledge and Innovation * Safety Health, Environment and Quality.

The Office of the Chief Operating Officer is an extension of the Office of the City Manager and therefore performs a strategic support role to the City Manager, Mayor, Deputy Mayor, the Speaker and Executive Committee: • Managing and coordinating the day-to-day operations and activities of the uMhlathuze Municipality • Provision of both strategic and support services to ensure that the Municipality delivers on its mandate in an integrated and coordinated manner. Ensure that the Municipality is more responsive, accountable, transparent and compliant and enhances service delivery• Ensure proper coordination of management of the integrated planning processes of the Municipality, ensuring that the focus remains on customers, and that they be continuously engaged in planning, implementation and review processes. Oversees the development, implementation and review of policies and strategies • Will ensure good corporate governance and entrenches a performance-driven culture throughout the institution • Will enhance systems improvement, risk management and controls • Will play a key role in transforming the Municipality into a developmental local government institution • Manage and facilitate the Performance Management, Risk Management, IDP, Communications and Business Analysis.

CLOSING DATE: 15 SEPTEMBER 2026.

NB: All applicants must forward an application on the prescribed form (obtainable in Government Gazette, No. 37245) or can be downloaded from our website: www.umhlathuze.gov.za. Applications, must be accompanied by a detailed CV with certified copies of qualifications certificates, Identity Document and driver’s licence, including the names of three contactable references from current and previous employers. Applications should be forwarded by e-mail to: SM_Vacancies@umhlathuze.gov.za.

Alternatively, applications can be hand delivered during the week to the City of uMhlathuze Civic Centre, 5 Mark Strasse, Richards Bay between 07h30- 16h00.

For administrative enquiries, contact: Ms B.A. Mkhwanazi on (035) 907 5181.

The City of uMhlathuze is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. As such, we intend to promote and uphold representativity in the Municipality regarding race, gender and disability.

PLEASE NOTE: It would be expected of candidates to be subjected to competency assessments and that previous and current employers and references will be contacted. Verification will be done on candidates’ qualifications, criminal and credit record. It is the applicant’s responsibility to have foreign qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).The candidate will be required to disclose all financial interests. The applicant should be a South African citizen or permanent resident. Failure to adhere to the above will result in the automatic disqualification of the application. 

NO applications shall be considered without certified copies of the original supporting documents and if not made in the prescribed application form. Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted. The Human Resources Section will not accept responsibility for information not mentioned in applications, nor for lost applications, unless proof of submission can be supplied. The appointment is subject to the signing of an employment contract and performance agreement in terms of Section 56 of the Municipal Systems Act. The appointment and Conditions of Employment will be in accordance with the applicable and relevant local government legal framework. Due to the large number of applications we envisage to receive, applications will not be acknowledged. Should you not be contacted within 3 months of the closing date of the advertisement, please consider your application unsuccessful.

P.N. MHLONGO: CITY MANAGER