To give or not to give…

THE City of uMhlathuze’s decision to dish out donations to two organisations came under scrutiny at Thursday’s Exco meeting as Councillors questioned whether one hand-out was instead a ‘camouflage for election campaigning’.

The Executive Committee agreed to release R100 000 to the Isigungu Samanxamalala Matomela Trust, which will host a fundraising dinner at the University of Zululand (Unizulu) and a further R50 000 to the Dolosfees in Richards Bay next month.

There was general consensus the Dolosfees entertainment event would enhance the local tourism and hospitality industry with spin-offs outweighing the amount invested by Council.

However, debate erupted over Council’s decision to sponsor two tables of R50 000 each for the Trust event to be held at the Unizulu Richards Bay campus on 8 April.

The Isigungu Samanxamalala Matomela Trust was initially established by President Jacob ZUMA in 2005 to financially assist the youth of his clan to further their education. With the growing demand for access to higher institutions of learning, the Matomela Trust expanded to assist all youth predominantly from disadvantaged households.

Guest speakers for the evening will include Chairperson of the Trust, President Zuma, Minister of Public Enterprises Malusi Gigaba and KZN Premier Senzo Mchunu.

In attendance will also be some of South African’s most prominent companies and business figures to engage in dialogue on how to grow the country and support initiatives aimed at assisting education for youth development.

Campaigning

However, Cllr Dumisani Nxumalo questioned whether the donation would be of benefit to Council.

‘Such functions funded by taxpayers should not be used for ANC campaigning especially if you look at the keynote speakers. If this is campaigning, I am opposed to this,’ said Nxumalo.

Cautioned as being ‘out of order’ Mayor Elphas Mbatha told Nxumalo the fundraising event would assist in developing young artisans and expand the skills base critically needed at uMhlathuze.

‘All proceeds will go towards the Trust to ensure more students can access tertiary education. Every year, we also donate to the Dolosfees because we acknowledge the diversity of our community and therefore support them,’ said Mbatha.

However, Cllr Beena Simmadhri said they fully supported the Dolosfees donation as it generated much tourism revenue and exposure for the City.

‘Councillors of the opposition party play an oversight role. We unfortunately did not get to see these students at our municipality and the work done through this Trust. This can be seen from any political point of view and it raises concern,’ said Simmadhri.