Cogta MEC demands accountability at uMkhanyakude District Municipality

KZN Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) MEC Sipho Hlomuka has urged all uMkhanyakude District Municipality councillors to rise above narrow self-interest and place the needs of their communities first.

Hlomuka met with councillors and the district municipality’s management in Mkhuze recently after a series of protests which saw angry community members blockading the district’s headquarters.

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Residents complained about the municipality’s inability to provide critical services, such as water.

Hlomuka expressed his concern and disappointment about councillors’ failure to provide solid leadership and stability within the municipality.

Power struggles between the IFP and ANC, and infighting have compromised service delivery.

‘Although you are at the end of your term, as councillors you still have the responsibility to ensure your successors inherit a functional municipality,’ said Hlomuka.

‘You have not been equal to the task the people of uMkhanyakude bestowed on you. The remaining days of your term are an opportunity to address issues raised by your communities.

‘As MEC for Cogta, I cannot take your place as elected representatives of the people.’

Hlomuka also urged management to ensure that employees work at optimum level to advance the municipality.

He further demanded an explanation from the council and management regarding the role played by uMkhanyakude staff in the blockading of the municipality’s headquarters with municipal water tankers.

Hlomuka requested a report on the current composition of the council and a dispute with a network service provider which resulted in municipal workers’ cellphones being blocked.

uMkhanyakude Mayor Tim Moodley offered his perspective on the challenges faced by his municipality and in response administrator Bamba Ndwandwe tabled a report on the status of the provincial government’s intervention in the municipality affairs so far.