Despite the MEC for KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Rev Thulasizwe Buthelezi issuing stern instructions and giving the Ray Nkonyeni Municipality (RNM) until 31 January 2025, to resolve its matters, the Municipal Manager, Mr Khetha Zulu and the Mayor, Councillor Zodwa Mzindle have not heeded these instructions.
The unprotected strike by members of the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) that has been ongoing for over three months in the municipality continues, depriving residents of vital service delivery.
The labour unrest has brough services in the municipality to a grinding halt.
In a previous statement issued by the Democratic Alliance (DA) a plan of action was put forward to the Municipality – the Municipal Manager and ANC leadership have steadfastly ignored this and continued in “closed door” fashion and refused to keep council adequately informed and updated.
The DA is in possession of a communication from SAMWU outlining the failed status of negotiations between them, the ANC leadership and the Municipal Manager. It clearly highlights the orchestrated attempt by the Municipal Manager and ANC leadership to mislead council. The DA once again calls for the immediate dismissal and replacement of the negotiating team. We recommend replacing the current negotiating team with an external team, one which also consists of members of the Executive, the team must then provide daily reports to full council as to the status of negotiations.
This strike is a clear indication of the deteriorating state of local government under the current leadership, which has failed to address the legitimate concerns of workers and residents alike.
The Municipality of Ray Nkonyeni needs a complete turn-around and this can only be accomplished by the removal of both the Municipal Manager and the Mayor.
Furthermore, the DA calls for a comprehensive review of the municipality’s financial and administrative practices to ensure that it is equipped to provide essential services and meet the needs of its residents in the future.
The residents of RNM should not have to bear the brunt of mismanagement, inefficiency, and the inability of the Municipality to provide basic services.
The DA calls on the MEC for COGTA to implement the deadline and return on the 31 of January 2025 to implement a turn-around strategy for the Municipality.
The DA remains committed to ensuring that residents are delivered with a new government in 2026, a government that puts the people first.