The Democratic Alliance (DA) in uMngeni is concerned by allegations that a local ANC councillor received building materials from the ANC-run uMgungundlovu District Municipality following the Mpophomeni hailstorm but failed to share these materials with fellow councillors whose wards were also severely affected.
If proven true, this conduct is tantamount to theft and undermines the principles of equality and fairness, particularly when vulnerable residents were in urgent need of assistance.
The DA has formally requested that the uMngeni municipality initiate an ethics investigation into this matter. Depending on the outcome, the DA will consider opening criminal charges against the individuals implicated. Disaster relief must never be subject to patronage or political favouritism. Resources intended for affected communities must be distributed fairly and transparently, regardless of political affiliation.
We further note that ANC provincial leadership, including MEC Siboniso Duma, arrived three days late and made several large commitments, including the replacement of asbestos roofs. While we welcome these commitments, the DA will hold the MEC and the Department of Human Settlements accountable to ensure these are not empty ANC political promises that people have become so accustomed to.
The residents of Mpophomeni deserve fairness, transparency, and urgent support, not political gamesmanship.