Chief Financial Officer
Official Role Overview
Reference Number: 01/2026
Location: Pietermaritzburg
Employment Type: Full-Time | Permanent
Job Type: Public Service | Executive Management | Financial Management
Chief Directorate: Financial Management
Salary and Benefits
Chief Financial Officer: R1 494 900 per annum (Level 14)
This is an all-inclusive remuneration package, structured in accordance with the Senior Management Service (SMS) remuneration framework.
Additional Benefits
Appointed candidates may qualify for the following:
Competitive Senior Management Service remuneration package.
Membership of the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF).
Annual, sick and other leave benefits in accordance with Public Service Regulations.
Government-subsidised medical aid options (subject to eligibility).
Opportunities for executive leadership development and continuous professional learning.
Career advancement within the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government.
The Employer
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) plays a vital role in promoting effective governance, strengthening municipalities, supporting traditional leadership institutions, and improving service delivery throughout the province. The department is committed to sound financial governance, accountability, and sustainable resource management in line with constitutional and legislative requirements.
As Chief Financial Officer, you will serve as a strategic executive responsible for ensuring the department’s financial sustainability, regulatory compliance, and efficient use of public resources.
Purpose of the Role
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) provides strategic financial leadership to the department while supporting the Head of Department (Accounting Officer) on all financial management matters. The successful candidate will oversee budgeting, financial planning, procurement, supply chain management, internal controls, and financial governance to ensure that public funds are managed effectively, efficiently, economically, and transparently.
This executive role contributes directly to achieving the department’s strategic objectives while maintaining compliance with all applicable legislation and Treasury requirements.
Key Performance Areas (KPAs)
1. Strategic Financial Management
Lead the department’s financial management function by overseeing budgeting, financial planning, expenditure management, and financial reporting to ensure sound fiscal governance.
2. Budget Planning and Financial Reporting
Coordinate the preparation, monitoring, and reporting of departmental budgets while ensuring compliance with the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), Treasury Regulations, and other financial prescripts.
3. Financial Accounting Services
Provide strategic oversight of financial accounting services, ensuring accurate financial records, statutory reporting, and effective financial controls.
4. Supply Chain Management
Manage and strengthen the department’s integrated Supply Chain Management (SCM) system by ensuring transparent, fair, competitive, and cost-effective procurement processes.
5. Internal Control and Financial Governance
Develop and maintain effective internal control systems to minimise financial risks, strengthen accountability, and improve compliance with government financial legislation.
6. Financial Advisory Services
Provide high-level financial advice and strategic support to the Head of Department and departmental management regarding financial planning, governance, and resource allocation.
7. Policy Development
Oversee the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of financial policies, procedures, frameworks, and operational toolkits that promote effective financial management across the department.
8. Leadership and Resource Management
Lead and manage the Financial Management Chief Directorate by providing strategic leadership, managing resources effectively, developing employees, and fostering a high-performance culture.
Minimum Requirements
Educational and Professional Requirements
Applicants must possess:
An NQF Level 7 qualification recognised by SAQA in:
Financial Accounting; or
Financial Management; or
Financial Planning.
A valid SMS Pre-entry Certificate (Nyukela) offered by the National School of Government (NSG). The certificate must be submitted before appointment.
A valid Code B driver’s licence.
Experience
Applicants must have:
At least five (5) years’ experience at senior management level within a financial management environment.
Knowledge and Legislative Framework
Applicants should demonstrate sound knowledge of:
The Constitution of South Africa.
Public Service Act.
Public Service Regulations.
Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
Treasury Regulations.
Labour Relations Act.
Basic Conditions of Employment Act.
Employee Performance Management System.
Supply Chain Management legislation and practices.
National and Provincial Practice Notes.
National Development Plan (NDP).
Provincial Growth and Development Plan.
Promotion of Access to Information Act.
Promotion of Administrative Justice Act.
Human Rights Act.
Bill of Rights.
Skills Development Act.
Community development and public participation.
Service delivery frameworks.
Intergovernmental relations.
Ministerial Handbook.
Protocol Manual of South Africa.
Traditional leadership legislation and governance.
Professional Skills and Competencies
The ideal candidate should possess:
Strategic leadership.
Financial management expertise.
Project management.
Strategic planning.
Organisational and research skills.
Analytical thinking.
Decision-making ability.
Change management.
Conflict resolution.
People management and leadership.
Relationship management.
Statistical analysis.
Report writing.
Time management.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Presentation and stakeholder engagement skills.
Advanced computer literacy in Microsoft Office.
The successful candidate must also demonstrate the ability to engage professionally with:
Government departments.
Municipalities.
Traditional leaders.
Political office bearers.
Service providers.
Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).
Faith-Based Organisations (FBOs).
Local councillors.
Members of the public.
National and international stakeholders.
Why Join the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs?
Joining the department offers an opportunity to influence financial governance at executive level while contributing to improved service delivery across KwaZulu-Natal.
Employees benefit from:
Executive leadership responsibilities within provincial government.
Opportunities to shape strategic financial policy.
Exposure to complex public sector financial management.
A collaborative executive management environment.
Professional development and executive leadership growth.
The opportunity to strengthen governance and accountability across the department.
How to Apply
Required Documents
Applicants must submit:
A fully completed New Z83 Application Form.
A comprehensive and up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV).
Please note: Certified copies of qualifications and supporting documents may be requested from shortlisted candidates.
Application Submission
Postal Applications
The Chief Director: Human Resource Management & Development
Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Private Bag X9078
Pietermaritzburg
3200
Hand Delivery
The Chief Registry Clerk
2nd Floor, South Tower
Natalia Building
330 Langalibalele Street
Pietermaritzburg
Online Applications
Applications may also be submitted via the eRecruitment System on the official South African Government eServices portal.
For Attention: Ms E. Perumal
Enquiries: Ms B. Mgutshini
Telephone: (033) 260 8043
Closing Date: 06 August 2026
Final Thoughts: Leading Financial Excellence in Public Service
The Chief Financial Officer is one of the department’s most influential executive positions, ensuring that public resources are managed responsibly while supporting strategic service delivery across KwaZulu-Natal. This role is ideal for an accomplished financial executive who combines strategic leadership with extensive public sector financial expertise. If you are passionate about governance, accountability, and financial excellence, this position offers an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of public administration.
Important Application Notes
Quote Reference Number: 01/2026 on your application.
Applications must be submitted using the new Z83 Application Form.
Only a comprehensive CV must accompany the application.
Late, incomplete, faxed, or registered mail applications will not be considered.
Shortlisted candidates will undergo:
Technical assessments.
Ethics (integrity) assessments.
Competency-based managerial assessments.
Recommended candidates will undergo:
Security clearance.
Citizenship verification.
Qualification verification.
Criminal record checks.
Credit record checks.
Previous employment verification.
Applicants who do not receive feedback within three months after the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful.
The department is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer and encourages applications from persons with disabilities.
Career Resources & Related Links
South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA)
National School of Government (NSG)
National Treasury
Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA)
Public Finance Management Act (PFMA)
Treasury Regulations
Career Spotlight: Driving Financial Governance in Government
The Chief Financial Officer is the financial steward of a government department, responsible for ensuring that public funds are managed with integrity, transparency, and accountability. Beyond preparing budgets and overseeing expenditure, the CFO provides strategic advice that shapes organisational performance and service delivery. Within the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, this executive role is central to strengthening financial governance, improving operational efficiency, and supporting sustainable development across municipalities and traditional leadership institutions. For experienced financial leaders seeking to make a lasting impact in the public sector, this position offers an opportunity to lead with purpose while advancing excellence in government financial management.
Chief Director: Infrastructure Development
Official Role Overview
Reference Number: 14/2026 (MID)
Location: Pietermaritzburg
Employment Type: Full-Time | Permanent
Job Type: Public Service | Executive Management | Infrastructure Development
Branch: Development and Planning
Chief Directorate: Municipal Infrastructure
Directorate: Infrastructure Development
Salary and Benefits
Chief Director: Infrastructure Development: R1 494 900 per annum (Level 14)
This position offers an all-inclusive remuneration package, structured in accordance with the Senior Management Service (SMS) remuneration framework.
Additional Benefits
Successful candidates may qualify for:
Membership of the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF).
Generous annual, sick, and family responsibility leave.
Optional participation in government-subsidised medical aid schemes.
Executive leadership and management development programmes.
Continuous professional development opportunities.
Career progression within the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government.
The Employer
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) is responsible for strengthening municipalities, supporting traditional leadership institutions, and promoting sustainable service delivery across the province. Through its Development and Planning Branch, the department works closely with municipalities to improve infrastructure planning, enhance basic service delivery, and drive long-term community development.
The Directorate: Infrastructure Development plays a critical role in coordinating municipal infrastructure programmes that improve access to water, sanitation, electricity, and other essential public services.
Purpose of the Role
The Chief Director: Infrastructure Development provides strategic leadership for the planning, coordination, implementation, and monitoring of municipal infrastructure development programmes throughout KwaZulu-Natal. The successful candidate will guide municipalities in delivering sustainable infrastructure while ensuring sound financial management, legislative compliance, and effective utilisation of public resources.
This executive role supports improved municipal service delivery by driving infrastructure investment, strengthening technical governance, and promoting sustainable development across local government.
Key Performance Areas (KPAs)
1. Municipal Infrastructure Development
Lead and coordinate municipal infrastructure development initiatives by providing strategic direction, technical oversight, and support to municipalities in planning and implementing infrastructure projects.
2. Sustainable Service Delivery
Promote sustainable delivery of essential municipal services by developing strategies that improve infrastructure reliability, accessibility, and long-term maintenance.
3. Infrastructure Financial Management
Manage infrastructure funding and financial planning to ensure efficient allocation, utilisation, and monitoring of financial resources in accordance with applicable legislation and Treasury requirements.
4. Water, Sanitation and Energy Planning
Coordinate integrated planning for municipal water, sanitation, and energy infrastructure to support sustainable growth and improved quality of life within communities.
5. Programme and Project Management
Provide strategic oversight of infrastructure programmes and projects by ensuring effective planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and risk management.
6. Directorate Leadership
Lead, manage, and develop the Directorate by promoting good governance, sound administration, employee development, and high organisational performance.
Minimum Requirements
Educational and Professional Requirements
Applicants must possess:
A four-year Bachelor’s Degree or NQF Level 7 qualification recognised by SAQA in:
Civil Engineering; or
Electrical Engineering.
A valid SMS Pre-entry Certificate (Nyukela) offered by the National School of Government (NSG). The certificate must be submitted before appointment.
A valid Code B driver’s licence.
Experience
Applicants must have:
A minimum of five (5) years’ experience at Senior Managerial level within an infrastructure planning and development environment.
Knowledge and Legislative Framework
Applicants should demonstrate sound knowledge of:
Infrastructure development planning and implementation.
Municipal Property Rates Act (MPRA).
Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA).
Municipal Systems Act.
Programme and project management.
Strategic planning.
Financial management.
Government structures and operations within South Africa.
Municipal infrastructure development.
Operation and maintenance planning.
Supply Chain Management.
Legal and regulatory compliance.
Engineering principles and professional judgement.
Professional Skills and Competencies
The successful candidate should demonstrate:
Strategic capability and leadership.
Programme and project management expertise.
Financial management.
Planning and organisational skills.
Engineering decision-making.
Problem-solving and analytical thinking.
Conflict resolution.
Team leadership.
Time management.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strong stakeholder engagement abilities.
Computer literacy in Microsoft Office.
Why Join the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs?
Joining the department provides an opportunity to influence the future of municipal infrastructure across KwaZulu-Natal while improving access to essential public services.
Employees benefit from:
Executive leadership within provincial government.
Opportunities to influence provincial infrastructure development strategies.
Exposure to large-scale municipal infrastructure programmes.
A collaborative environment focused on sustainable development.
Continuous executive leadership and professional development.
The opportunity to improve the quality of life of communities through infrastructure investment.
How to Apply
Required Documents
Applicants must submit:
A fully completed New Z83 Application Form.
A comprehensive and up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV).
Please note: Certified copies of qualifications and supporting documents will only be requested from shortlisted candidates.
Application Submission
Postal Applications
The Chief Director: Human Resource Management & Development
Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Private Bag X9078
Pietermaritzburg
3200
Hand Delivery
The Chief Registry Clerk
2nd Floor, South Tower
Natalia Building
330 Langalibalele Street
Pietermaritzburg
Online Applications
Applications may also be submitted via the eRecruitment System on the official South African Government eServices portal.
For Attention: Ms E. Perumal
Enquiries: Ms B. Mgutshini
Telephone: (033) 897 5656
Closing Date: 06 August 2026
Final Thoughts: Building Sustainable Communities Through Infrastructure
The Chief Director: Infrastructure Development is a key executive position responsible for shaping the future of municipal infrastructure across KwaZulu-Natal. By providing strategic leadership in infrastructure planning, financing, and service delivery, the successful candidate will help municipalities improve access to reliable water, sanitation, energy, and other essential services. This role offers an excellent opportunity for an experienced engineering leader to make a lasting contribution to sustainable development and effective local governance.
Important Application Notes
Quote Reference Number: 14/2026 (MID) on your application.
Applications must be submitted using the new Z83 Application Form.
Only a comprehensive CV should accompany the application.
Late, incomplete, faxed, or registered mail applications will not be accepted.
Shortlisted candidates will undergo:
Technical assessments.
Ethics (integrity) assessments.
Competency-based managerial assessments.
Recommended candidates will undergo:
Security clearance.
Citizenship verification.
Qualification verification.
Criminal record checks.
Credit record checks.
Previous employment verification.
Applicants who do not receive feedback within three months after the closing date should regard their application as unsuccessful.
The department is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer and encourages applications from persons with disabilities.
Career Resources & Related Links
South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA)
National School of Government (NSG)
Department of Cooperative Governance
National Treasury
Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA)
Municipal Systems Act
Municipal Property Rates Act (MPRA)
Career Spotlight: Leading Municipal Infrastructure for Sustainable Development
Infrastructure development is one of the most important drivers of economic growth and improved quality of life. As Chief Director: Infrastructure Development, you will oversee strategic initiatives that enable municipalities to deliver reliable water, sanitation, electricity, and other essential services to communities throughout KwaZulu-Natal. Beyond managing engineering programmes, this executive role requires visionary leadership, financial stewardship, and strong collaboration with municipalities and government stakeholders. For experienced engineering professionals who aspire to influence public infrastructure on a provincial scale, this position offers an opportunity to create lasting impact through sustainable service delivery and effective governance.