CoGTA launches investigation into alleged maladministration

Lolo Madonsela

The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) in KZN has heeded the call by the ANC and the DA, to launch a forensic investigation into AbaQulusi Local Municipality.
This follows approximately R4-million being stolen from the municipal coffers.
DA Caucus Leader in AbaQulusi, Alta de Kock had called on the KZN MEC of CoGTA, Sipho Hlomuka to institute a forensic investigation into alleged maladministration, fraud and corruption at AbaQulusi Municipality, by evoking Section 106 of the Municipal Systems Act.
At the time, de Kock said, “The DA firmly believes that although [the suspect] had been charged, the matter cannot be left there. A proper forensic investigation is required to ascertain if any other maladministration, fraud and corruption is taking place, and to ensure it is immediately stopped and dealt with. Our call to the MEC to institute the investigation comes after a similar call at an Executive Committee (Exco) meeting on February 4, was shut down. We believe this matter is urgent, and will pursue a forensic investigation no matter what it takes.”
The ANC Regional Secretary of Mzala Nxumalo, Zakes Buthelezi said the party welcomed the forensic investigation after raising the matter for quite some time.
“We have been calling for an investigation into all these matters from as early as 2018/2019 and even sent a memorandum on this issues. The preliminary findings show there is a cause for concern. Also, the opposition parties that are in co-governance with the IFP have continuously been in support of them, even after the evidence of corruption has been presented before them. We lament the fact that the ANC was not given an opportunity to comment on the Section 106; this shows the Speaker [Michael Khumalo] does not serve in best of the municipality…” said Buthelezi.

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Responding to the ANC’s claims, Cllr de Kock said, “The ANC is not aware of the letters I have written to the MEC, as well as the petitions regarding these matters. Most of the issues I raised in those letters are on the list of Section 106. The ANC is fighting politics and power, while we are fighting for service delivery and against corruption.”
The EFF also welcomed the investigation and responded to the ANC’s statement.
EFF Regional Chairperson, Thulani Ndlovu said, “Let us wait for Section 106 to unfold and let us not be in a hurry. Once people have been charged formally, we can then take steps. Being in co-governance does not mean we must go beyond the course of the law; we must follow processes.”
Acting Municipal Manger, Sabatha Shongwe confirmed there was forensic investigation underway at the municipality but stated it would not affect the running of the entity.
“Yes, there is an investigation, but it is going to be business as usual. We are going to continue doing our best to deliver the services and we will not preempt the investigation.”
Approximately 23 matters have been identified to be investigated, including:
– Alleged interference in Supply Chain Management matters by political heads
– The construction of the Louwsburg Taxi Rank
– Leases on properties and land (farms) belonging to the municipality
– Allegations of a councillor being offered a municipal post shortly after resigning
– Alleged involvement of two managers in electrical cable theft
– Alleged irregularities relating to a specific land-related transaction
Currently, due to allegations of mismanagement and nepotism, AbaQulusi Municipality is under administration and is being overseen by a ministerial representative.
KZN CoGTA was contacted for its comment on the investigation.
A week after inquiries were sent through formal channels, representatives of the department had yet to respond.
The Vryheid Herald could also not reach Cllr Khumalo, in order to ask for his response to the ANC’s allegations, at the time of going to print.

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