Ugu District Municipality’s former municipal manager, Dhanpalan Devaraj ‘DD’ Naidoo, is back in local government.
This comes after KZN Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) MEC, Thulasizwe Buthelezi, announced Naidoo as the local government specialist to help turn things around in Umdoni Local Municipality after he intervened in the municipality through Section 154 (1) of the Constitution.
Buthelezi said the intervention followed calls for stability during engagements with the municipality and community members.
He said that the Section 154(1) intervention, guided by the Provincial Executive, will provide the municipality with enhanced support from the KZN government.
“As the local government specialist, Naidoo will guide the municipality through its current challenges. He brings 30 years of experience, having served as a municipal manager in the Ugu District for eight years, as well as in Umdoni for eight years. His expertise is expected to be invaluable in stabilising the municipality,” said Buthelezi.
Speaking to the Herald, Naidoo said he was given terms of reference outlining the issues that needed to be dealt with.
He said for now, they have to analyse how bad things are within the municipality, especially when it comes to service delivery then, after 30 days, they will have to present a report on how they will implement a turnaround strategy.
Speaking on his departure from Ugu in 2021, Naidoo clarified that he resigned after his suspension was lifted, calling it a mutual agreement with the municipality.
The suspension came after an investigation by Cogta revealed how some former senior officials within Ugu and local businessmen were implicated in tender irregularities and had allegedly flouted procurement processes.
After the forensic report by Cogta, Naidoo opened a criminal case because of the allegations against him.
At the time, police spokesperson Thembeka Mbele confirmed that a case was opened at the Port Shepstone police station.
“The docket was transferred to the Durban Central Commercial Crime Investigation Unit for further investigation, and the docket was subsequently closed,” said Mbele.
Meanwhile, Buthelezi described Naidoo as a seasoned local government specialist whose wealth of experience is unquestionable.
He said they believe his expertise will be crucial in stabilising the municipality.
“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 will support the council without undermining its powers and responsibilities,” said Buthelezi.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
