SOUTH COAST MUNICIPALITIES ACTIONS LEADING TO DISASTER

May 9, 2006

IFP UGU District Chairperson, Dr Samuel Nyawusa, today expressed his dismay at the way in which municipalities in the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal are run.

Dr Nyawusa said, "We are concerned about the abuse of power and lack of procedure in the running of municipalities in the South Coast. It appears that municipal operations are impeded by local party political pressures at the cost of ratepayers."

"Unconstitutional actions since the inauguration of new councils are already impeding municipal operations and we intend calling on the Provincial Minister of Local Government to act with the vigour he displayed when acting against municipalities not under his Party's control in addressing what is clear abuse and misuse of power and disregard for rules and procedures."

"We are astounded by the way in which municipalities in the South Coast are run. Newly elected Mayors in effect operate as Executive Mayors without consideration or consultation with Executive Committees."

"At Umuziwabantu Municipality the Municipal Manager was suspended under apparent pressure from regional ANC structures. The local Mayor had to send a prepared letter to the UGU District requesting an Acting Municipal Manager without a prior Umuziwabantu Council resolution being made. Furthermore, UGU District took a resolution to dispatch a Mr Sazi Mbhele as Acting Municipal Manager without a supporting resolution from Umuziwabantu Municipality."

"At Umzumbe Municipality the Municipal Manager has also been replaced by an Acting Municipal Manager from the UGU District. We are concerned that no local municipal employees could even be considered for the position and what we consider to be political favouritism in civil staffing."

"Our communities come first - all communities no matter their political affiliation. Local government is the vehicle for delivery for our communities and this apparent abuse for party political gain can only spell disaster for delivery. In the interest of community development and delivery we are calling on our fellow councillors to desist from using ratepayers money as political payback for supporters and that the Minister act with immediate effect to ensure clean and transparent municipal operations in the South Coast to the benefit of all," Dr Nyawusa concluded.

For further inquiries contact:
Dr SG Nyawusa   072 637 0063