A recent report (view here) to KwaZulu-Natal’s (KZN) Public Works portfolio committee has exposed that while millions are struggling to pay exorbitant sums for utilities and services not delivered, the ANC-run provincial government has been footing the bill for almost two decades while cadres illegally occupy former parliamentary accommodation in Ulundi.
This after most of the more than 800 government-owned houses and flats were invaded, leaving occupants to live rent-free for years without paying a cent for lights and water.
As at March 2023, the debt for property rates amounted to R4.1 million and R3.3 million for water. This in addition to rental income loss for almost 20 years, amounting to millions of Rands.
The DA is outraged by this finding. Only an uncaring, corrupt, inefficient government would allow such injustice over such an extended period. While the poor in our province wait for years for housing and proper toilets – and while millions struggle to pay utility bills amid rising costs – a select group is paying nothing and there are no consequences.
The question is: Why has the ANC in KZN allowed this to go unresolved? The answer is simple – those who occupy these buildings are politically connected.
Apart from the monetary losses, the properties have also become dilapidated due to lack of maintenance. Instead of holding onto these properties for years – and allowing criminals to live off the state – this ANC-run government should have disposed of them while there still in good condition.
The finding also comes as many KZN schools and other government buildings have had basic services disconnected. This due to Public Works being unable to pay property rates. Yet, the department continues to pay utilities and rates on the Ulundi properties – to Zululand’s District Municipality – to prevent disconnection of municipal services at the ANC provincial offices in Ulundi.
The report also shows that SAPS did not have powers to implement evictions without a court order in place. The question is: Why didn’t the department apply for one? The DA expects answers.
We also want the names of officials who did not return keys to this accommodation to the department and to know whether they are still employed by government. They are equally complicit in this criminality.
During the recent KZN Public Works budget debate, the DA warned then MEC Nthuthuko Mahlaba that his department’s failure to dispose of government-owned buildings and land that it could not maintain would cost it dearly. We also warned that eventually there would be nothing left to sell. This is exactly what has happened in Ulundi.
Only a DA government will fight for the rights of all citizens and allow our province to reach its full potential. The people of KZN will have the opportunity to make this a reality when they go to the polls next year.