The Democratic Alliance (DA) in KwaDukuza welcomes the council decision today, halting the R350,000 sponsorship payment for the so-called Ballito July Experience, an event set to be held outside the KwaDukuza Municipality, in Westbrook, eThekwini municipality. This decision follows sustained political pressure and public scrutiny led by the DA.
Earlier this month, the ANC in KwaDukuza steamrolled this payment through Council despite widespread opposition. Their plan to bankroll an event outside our jurisdiction was a clear betrayal of responsible governance.
This halt is a victory for the people of KwaDukuza, who rightfully expect that their hard-earned rates go toward services and development within our municipality, not to bolster the patronage networks of a dwindling political party.
We caution the ANC leadership, including the ceremonial Mayor, against using Council to legitimise vanity events that do not benefit our residents. The attempt to fund this event was a blatant move to reward politically connected individuals at the expense of local needs.
Our residents deserve leaders who put their needs first, not those leaders who are merely political side-shows, attempting to pay off their debt through council coffers.
We remain committed to exposing this behaviour and defending every cent of public money meant for genuine development, real service delivery, and community upliftment.