The DA calls for the immediate resignation of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) CoGTA MEC, Bongiwe Sithole-Moloi following a Pietermaritzburg High Court ruling that she failed to comply with Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) timeframes for calling several by-elections in the province.
The matter relates to by-elections within the Umvoti, Nongoma, Umzumbe, Mthonjaneni and uPongolo districts.
Without a by-election, there is a leadership vacuum, creating an untenable situation for residents who have nowhere to turn. This as most of KZN’s people are already suffering poor service delivery.
That residents in these five communities are being denied the opportunity to elect a new political leadership, smacks of the arrogance we have come to expect from MEC Sithole-Moloi and her Taliban faction ANC government.
In the event that an MEC acts unconstitutionally, it is against his or her oath of office. The court has upheld that MEC Sithole-Moloi did so. This is cause for immediate dismissal.
The MECs track record is also dismal, the only thing she seems to be good at is losing court cases. Of the three unexceptional CoGTA MECs during this parliamentary term alone, she certainly holds the title of most incompetent.
Her consistent inaction – whether it be in terms of by-elections or her other constitutional duties – can no longer be tolerated. She will be doing KZN’s people a great service if she just goes quickly and quietly. Alternatively, Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube must act decisively and without favour and remove her.
On 29 May, the people of our province will have the opportunity to rescue KZN and install a DA-led government – one that will ensure accountability and put them first.