KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC, Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has reassured communities under the Umdoni Local Municipality that the department will intervene appropriately to restore good governance and delivery of basic services.

This follows a three-week community protest against the lack of service delivery and alleged corruption within the municipality.

During his engagement with the community, who blockaded the municipal offices on Monday, Buthelezi expressed his concern over the municipality leadership’s inability to deal with the issues raised by the residents.

The MEC highlighted the council’s lack of action regarding a Section 106 forensic investigation conducted by the department in 2018 and the recommendations.

‘The failure to act on the forensic investigation by the council creates an unfavourable perception of how seriously the municipality takes the issue of corruption,’ Buthelezi said.

Buthelezi committed to write to the council speaker to convene an urgent meeti
ng to address the issues.

‘We are committed to seeing the concerns of the community being addressed by the municipality. Transparency and accountability are crucial in restoring trust and ensuring effective service delivery,’ Buthelezi said.

The MEC called on the municipality’s Executive Committee (Exco) to exercise proper oversight and not allow matters to go unresolved.

He further called on the community to allow due processes to be followed in the investigation of corruption allegations.

‘The Executive Committee must take a proactive role in ensuring that these issues are addressed promptly and effectively. It is essential that we follow proper procedures to ensure that justice is served, and trust is restored.

‘Resolving these issues is a priority and every effort will be made to ensure the municipality functions effectively and serves the community as expected,’ Buthelezi said.

The MEC reiterated his commitment to support the municipalities across the province so that they can function effectively,
warning that the department will not hesitate to act where the municipalities are not acting in the interest of residents.

Source : South African Government News Agency