Lesiba Arnold Malotana Appointed as Head of Department: Public Safety

The City of Johannesburg has appointed Mr Lesiba Arnold Malotana as the new Head of Department: Public Safety, following the successful completion of a comprehensive recruitment, selection and assessment process.

Council approved Mr Malotana’s appointment on a permanent employment contract, effective from 1 September 2026, or as soon as reasonably possible thereafter, subject to all applicable legislative and employment requirements.

The appointment reaffirms the City’s commitment to good governance, accountable leadership and the delivery of effective, responsive public safety services to the residents of Johannesburg.

Council resolved on 23 February 2023 that the City should initiate a recruitment process to fill the vacant position of Head of Department: Public Safety. A selection and interviewing panel was subsequently constituted, comprising City Manager Dr Floyd Brink as Chairperson; MMC for Public Safety, Councillor Moshe Koma; external expert Lesiba Nkumane; and Zameka Ngele as Secretariat.

The position was advertised internally through Vacancy Circular 012/2026 and externally in the Sunday Times on 25 January 2026, with applications closing on 22 February 2026.

The City received 47 applications, of which five candidates were shortlisted. Four candidates proceeded to the interview stage following the withdrawal of one candidate.

Mr Malotana holds a Bachelor of Technology in Emergency Medical Care from the Durban University of Technology and a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management (Honours) from the Regenesys School of Public and Development Management.

He brings more than 20 years of professional experience, including approximately 10 years in senior management positions. At the time of the recruitment process, he was serving as Acting Head of Department at the Gauteng Department of Health.

Following the interview and assessment process, the selection panel determined that Mr Malotana demonstrated the competencies, qualifications, experience and leadership capability required for the position.

As part of the recruitment process, the City conducted the prescribed screening in accordance with the applicable Regulations. This included reference checks, engagement with current and previous employers, verification of qualifications, and checks relating to previous dismissal for misconduct or poor performance. The Regulations require a screening report to be compiled before interviews are conducted.

A Group Forensics and Investigation Services (GFIS) Personnel Suitability Check (PSC) was also conducted on all five shortlisted candidates.

In accordance with the applicable regulations governing the appointment of municipal senior managers, the leading candidates were further subjected to competency assessments. Mr Malotana and Mr Mucavele underwent the required assessments as part of the final evaluation process.

To mitigate potential risks and strengthen accountability, the City has put in place rigorous contractual safeguards. These include a mandatory six-month probation period, the requirement to obtain State Security Agency security clearance, ongoing lifestyle audits, and an express contractual obligation for continuous disclosure of any adverse investigative findings.

The City welcomes Mr Malotana’s appointment and looks forward to his leadership in strengthening public safety services and advancing the City’s commitment to safer, more secure communities.