The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Umdoni Local Municipality will write to the Public Protector, The Department of Environmental Affairs as well as lay an official complaint with the South African Human Right Commission (SAHRC) over Umdoni crisis that continue to cripple services.
This follows another staff strike that has paralysed operations amidst calls for the Mayor, Councillor Mbali Luthuli, and Acting Municipal Manager, Nhlakanipho Khumalo, to go. The strike has entered its second week with no services being rendered.
Litter is piling up on roadsides once again, and protest action occupies the streets of Umzinto. It is a scenario that has characterised the ANCs rule under their brand of poor governance, looting, and the vindictive abuse of power to maintain political support.
Less than a year ago the ANC leadership allowed the former Municipal Manager, Thabisile Ndlela, to resign in order to avoid sanctions for her conduct in the Municipality’s demise. An Acting Municipal Manager was employed to fill the gap and the IFP KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) MEC, Rev. Thulasizwe Buthelezi, intervened with a “soft” option under section 154 of the constitution.
He assigned a local government expert to the municipality with the expressed purpose to provide guidance and direction to the council and management. True to form, the ANC leadership and its cadres did their best to undermine his intervention by simply ignoring the direction and advice given. The response from the IFP MEC for CoGTA is to appoint a second expert to fulfil the same role.
It is a move that raises serious questions as to the motives and purpose for going down the same route. Today we are in precisely the same position we were almost a year ago with no clear vision on a constructive way forward.
The DA wrote to the IFP MEC in January this year providing him with substantial details on the manner in which his intervention was being undermined. They implored him to take sterner measures in the interests of the citizens of Umdoni, by implementing section 139 of the constitution – placing Umdoni under full administration. A meeting was arranged but it never took place.
What we have learned is that section 154 interventions do not work when rogue councillors and managers are involved.
There must be a reason for the citizens of Umdoni to believe that the governance and services at Umdoni will return to a state of functionality and progress. We witness many individuals and community organisations involving themselves in self-help initiatives and drives. They demonstrate a willing attitude and a positivity that we must not lose.
Local government elections are expected to take place in 2026. This is an opportunity to change the status quo in Umdoni. Another five (5) years of ANC rule will have devastating consequences on our region.
The DA will explore every avenue to ensure that residents of Umdoni win and receive the services that they deserve.