Note to Editors: Please note Tim Brauteseth, MPL sound bite in English
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) calls on Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli to immediately clarify the circumstances surrounding the reported appointment of former Endumeni Municipal Manager (MM), Sithembiso Ntombela, to a senior position within his Office.
Ntombela recently resigned as MM under a cloud of serious corruption allegations. His abrupt departure from Endumeni followed damning findings in a Section 106 forensic investigation, implicating him in the irregular awarding of a multimillion-rand security tender to FBL Security. The tender was granted without adherence to proper procurement procedures, raising red flags around governance and accountability within the municipality.
Endumeni is one of KZN’s worst-performing municipalities, receiving a disclaimer audit report from Auditor-General (AG), Tsakani Maluleke.
It is deeply troubling that an individual facing such serious allegations could be considered for a senior role within the office of the Premier (OTP) – a department that should embody the highest standards of integrity and public trust. The move undermines the credibility of the provincial government and sends a dangerous message that accountability can be sidestepped through political redeployment.
The DA calls on the Premier to immediately clarify the circumstances surrounding this appointment and to place any such appointment on hold, pending a full review of the Section 106 report findings. We further urge the Premier to commit to a transparent and merit-based recruitment process for all senior government positions.
KZN deserves leadership that is ethical, competent, and committed to clean governance. As part of KZN’s Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) the DA is committed to ensuring this. The people of our province cannot afford to have their trust eroded by questionable appointments.