Following serious allegations concerning unpaid municipal accounts and alleged electricity tampering at a rental property occupied by Msunduzi Mayor, Mzi Thebolla, the DA has learnt that debt relief has allegedly been secured, with payment of the remaining balance promised.
We will be writing to the Municipal Manager, Felani Mndebele to seek clarity on whether debt relief was granted, on what grounds any such relief was approved, and whether the outstanding balance has been settled or remains unpaid.
The DA is also seeking answers on what steps have been taken to establish whether municipal policies and bylaws were contravened, whether a formal audit or investigation has been conducted, and what consequence management, if any, has been instituted against the officials involved.
The Municipality must explain what action senior management has taken, whether the same rules applied to ordinary residents have been enforced in this case, and why the City has not publicly accounted for its handling of these allegations.
Ordinary residents face disconnections, mounting bills and relentless demands to settle their accounts.
Debt relief must never become a substitute for accountability, and settling an account cannot automatically close questions of alleged misconduct.
Msunduzi deserves better. The time for change is now.
In a matter of days, residents will have a choice: more of the same ANC chaos, or a new direction for our city.
The DA has a plan to rescue Msunduzi, restore accountability, rebuild essential services, and bring responsible, clean, and effective governance to our capital.
Only the DA offers the leadership and the plan to turn Msunduzi around. Together, we can save our city.