DA condemns the abuse of state resources for political gain

Issued by Sihle Magubane – DA UMhlathuze Municipality Chief Whip
19 Jul 2019 in Press Statements

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in uMhlathuze will be writing to the office of the Speaker, calling for an investigation into the conduct of the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Duduzile Sibiya who seemingly abused state resources to campaign for the ANC.

What was supposed to be the week of service delivery, and specifically Mandela day yesterday, turned into a political campaign by the ANC. They hijacked the program, busing in ANC officials and activists in party regalia.

The handing over of RDP houses in Bhukhanana by the municipality was turned into an ANC event.

Councillor Sibiya urged the people who were being given houses to vote for the ANC, claiming it was responsible for the handover where even municipal staff were dressed in ANC regalia.

The DA is considering taking this matter to the Public Protector for further investigation. This action by the ANC is an attempt to expand newly-formed wards and gain support in those wards.

If we do not put a stop to this conduct, their abuse of power of government resources will intensify as we head to local government elections.

At the beginning of this year, we put forward a motion opposing the unnecessary spending on a new city fleet under the same pretenses that it was for service delivery, while in fact it was to give the ANC momentum in their pursuit for new votes.

The ANC’s willful violation of the rule of law portrays the panic that has set in within the organisation, as a result of evidence that clearly shows that the people of uMhlathuze are opting for real change away from the failing ANC.

We believe that in 2021 the people of uMhlathuze will punish the ANC at the polls by voting out poor service delivery and corruption.