The IFP in the KZN Legislature calls upon the KZN MEC for COGTA, Bongi Sithole Moloi, Mayor of Ubuhlebezwe Local Municipality, Bathobile Ngubo, and KZN Provincial Chairperson, Bheki Mtolo, to provide answers on whether the ANC councillor in Ubuhlebezwe Local Municipality in Ixopo, Cllr Themba Mahlaba, is still getting his full salary. He is alleged to have been on suspension since October 2022.
It is alleged that Cllr Mhlaba has been out of office for quite some time.
KwaZulu-Natal cannot afford to have another ANC scandal where its Councillors are drawing salaries – which are paid with taxpayers’ money – while sitting at home doing nothing. There is also Mzimuni Ngiba, an eThekwini Ward 101 Councillor, was arrested in May 2022 for the murder of his predecessor and has not attended any Council Meetings or conducted any community work since then. He is allegedly still receiving a salary.
These matters are of public interest and must not be swept under the carpet. The ANC KZN Provincial leadership, together with the KZN MEC for COGTA, must come clean.
We expect the MEC for COGTA to act promptly – in the same way as she does when she takes IFP municipalities to court, such uThukela District. Otherwise, she could be accused of adopting a disturbing double standard on local government matters.
Paying salaries of ANC Councillors who are sitting at home doing nothing is tantamount to corruption, as well as a clear abuse of public funds.
The IFP will further pursue this matter by submitting Written Parliamentary Questions to the KZN MEC for COGTA, to seek clarity on the issue of Cllr Mahlaba.
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Contact
Mr Otto B Kunene, MPL
IFP KZN Provincial Spokesperson for COGTA
076 204 7534