Success Profiling of Senior Managers in Western Cape Local Government: A Quantitative Study

Abstract In post-apartheid South Africa, efforts to improve service delivery led to the National Competency Development Framework (NCDF), which uses experience, competencies, and traits to predict senior management success. However, overregulation and flawed HR strategies hinder its effective use in recruitment. This quantitative study, using desk reviews and SPSS analysis, finds the NCDF sufficient when applied rigorously. It advocates using the NCDF as the sole criterion in appointments, promoting integrity and efficiency. The research informs policy on human resource reform in local government and applies across professions such as engineering, accounting, human resource, town and environmental management.