What’s happening at Umtshezi Municipality is unbelievable and raises a number of questions. I wonder if we still have African National Congress (ANC) leadership at all levels and structures. Are the leaders blind, such that they do not notice what is happening at this so-called ‘clean audit’ municipality?
Numerous reports regarding the situation of our municipality are sent to our leaders, but no action is taken. Why?
Voters entrusted the leadership of the ANC and voted in their numbers in order for the ANC to be in power and take charge of this municipality, yet, we as voters, find no joy. Local Government MEC Nomsa Dube is silent about this matter. Or is she perhaps part of the havoc unfolding at the municipality?
Let me take you through some of the irregularities taking place within our municipality:
1. Some officials are performing duties, which they are not qualified for and this ultimately hinders service delivery.
2. A few municipal workers embarked on a lawful strike, but no action was taken against them, instead the Acting Municipal Manager (MM) and Mayor addressed the workers as if nothing went wrong.
3. It is alleged that the Acting MM plotted for the removal of the Corporate Services Director so that he can employ his puppets in this position.
4. Some councillors and officials used ratepayer’s resources (money and vehicles) to attend the Salga Games, which they did not take part in. Instead they stayed in their hotel rooms for the duration of the tournament, drinking alcohol.
5. There are workers who steal diesel and management is aware but they are not brought to book, they are shielded. Workers who are against corruption at our municipality resorted to distancing themselves from these activities and some were even fired but councillors do not investigate, why?
6. A certain councillor is alleged to have been dodging paying electricity for many years. The community deserves to know what action is taken against this councillor.
7. Lastly, it is alleged that a certain shop steward stole money from the municipality. However, no drastic steps were taken against this person. A secret arrangement was made between officials and the stewards to pay that amount back in instalments. The shop steward was later promoted to a higher post this is disgraceful. How can officials protect someone who has done such a thing?
An intensive investigation must be instituted at our municipality.
Thokozani Ndwandwe
Please note that this letter was previously published in the Ilanga newspaper as an isiZulu version. I cannot comment on these untrue new English version allegations, as it has possible ulterior motives and political undertones.
Mr EH Dladla
Umtshezi Municipality Acting Municipal Manager
