The IFP in KwaZulu-Natal Legislature calls on the Portfolio Committee on Local Government to improve local government oversight if we are to solve the crisis of local administration in the province.
“The crisis in municipalities like Nongoma where it is alleged that corruption involving the awarding of tenders is rampant, is the root cause of non-delivery of services to our people. The expulsion of the Mpofana Municipal mayor who has failed to deliver services to the people and the issue of the Municipal Manager at Abaqulusini Municipality who spend the whole day in his car doing nothing due to the failure by the Mayor to respect a court ruling, are the symptoms of how our local government is paralyzed. This calls for a bold leadership change and competent people to be employed,” said IFP Spokesperson on Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi,MPL.
“The department needs to come up with a strategy in the medium to long term to fight against corruption in our municipalities. The province urgently needs to start ensuring that efficient and transparent municipal governance in this province is the order of the day. Any proposed plans to root out corruption must be submitted quarterly to the Portfolio Committee on Local Government in the Legislature in order for this committee to do its oversight work effectively,” continued Inkosi Buthelezi.
“Corruption soils everything. We urge the MEC of Cogta, Nomusa Dube-Ncube to step up to the plate. The MEC must get rid of fat cats feeding at the trough of local government. She must implement strict reporting mechanisms and intervene rapidly where cases of misconduct and mismanagement are reported irrespective of which party or parties control the municipality. It is an indictment on the ANC government that so many once viable municipalities are now collapsing. The MEC must pick up some high profile cases in each of the troubled municipalities and zoom in on them like a laser beam. Officials found guilty of corrupt practices must be prosecuted to fullest extent of the law and sever sentences must be handed down so as to deter others,” added Inkosi Buthelezi.
“The IFP would like to know whether the MEC is prepared to get rid of non-performing mayors, councillors and municipal managers or are we going to have more years of looting at the hands of the ANC and NFP? KwaZulu-Natal residents deserve change that cuts corruption, creates jobs and improves their lives”, said Inkosi Buthelezi.
