After community protests, allegations of corruption, non-operational offices and workers downing tools, there is now a solution to the crisis at Umdoni Local Municipality.
Cogta MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi visited the municipality on Monday this week where he announced decisive measures to address its governance and service delivery.
The MEC met with the full council to communicate the Provincial Executive’s decision to intervene in the municipality under section 154(1) of the Constitution. This step follows extensive engagements with the municipality and community members aimed at restoring stability.
Buthelezi believes that the section 154(1) intervention, guided by the Provincial Executive, will provide the municipality with enhanced support from the provincial government.
Local government specialist Dhanpalan Devaraj Naidoo has now been appointed to guide the municipality through its current challenges.
Naidoo will be representing Cogta at the municipality and brings 30 years of experience in local government.
He previously served as municipal manager at Umdoni and in the Ugu District.
“We believe his expertise will be crucial in stabilising the municipality,” said Buthelezi.
“Umdoni is a key tourism hub that should exemplify good governance, sound financial management and efficient service delivery. This is what ratepayers want to see.”
Naidoo has been tasked to develop a turnaround plan within a 30 day period. He also mentioned that Naidoo will support the council without undermining its powers and responsibilities.
“I am to ensure that we make Umdoni Municipality great again,” said Naidoo.
Mayor Mbali Cele-Luthuli stated that she understands Umdoni has been badly affected and appreciates Cogta’s intervention.
During recent community protests which led to this intervention, the public expressed their concerns about the mayor and requested that she step down from her position.
Buthelezi addressed this concern and said that Cele-Luthuli has provided strong leadership and will lead the turnaround.
“The mayor has a high level of cooperation, and I am confident in her leadership. She will not be stepping down,” he said.
He also confirmed the resignations of the municipal manager, Thabsile Ndlela (with immediate effect), and CFO Mahendra Chandulal.
After addressing the council, Buthelezi met with community members outside the municipality, where he explained the current status of Umdoni and what the intervention entails.
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