The DA has called for answers from KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, after a project aimed at developing infrastructure at the renowned Isandlwana Battle site never took off. This despite being earmarked as a game-changer for the local Nquthu community.
The call comes after several members of the DA provincial leader ship attended the recent Islandlwana commemorative event and witnessed the generally derelict conditions.
It also comes after a recent media report, in which the Premier claims that funding was made available to Nquthu municipality to develop the site and surrounding area.
According to the report, the project was originally announced by Dr Zweli Mkhize during his tenure as KZN Premier between 2009 and 2013. His successor, Premier Willies Mchunu failed to follow through, as did his successors Premier Senzo Mchunu and Premier Sihle Zikalala.
It is clear that continuity in the form of checks and balances around so-called catalytic KZN projects are not the ANC’s strong point.
It is also clear that the blame-game is alive and well, with Premier Dube-Ncube now blaming the municipality for not following through instead of committing to resolving the issue.
The questions are: Was any money allocated for this project? If so, who was it given to and where is it now? And, is there any plan to go ahead with the project? These are the answers that KZN’s people – and in particular Nquthu residents – need to demand.
It is increasingly clear that our country and KZN’s ANC leadership lacks accountability and consequence management. There is no political will to deal with incompetent leadership and change the lives of our people.
Isandlwana is a site of great historical significance. Yet it is little more than a dusty site with limited facilities at the end of a long, potholed road.
The DA will submit a written parliamentary question to the Premier. She must give the people of KZN and Nquthu the answers they deserve, particularly when it comes to funding.
When KZN’s people go to the polls this year, they will have the opportunity to rescue our province from an uncaring ANC government that fails to put them first.