KZN MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi faces lockout at UMkhanyakude District Municipality
Cogta MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi in UMkhanyakude
Image: Supplied
KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi was forced to address councillors outside the locked gates of the Umkhanyakude District Municipality on Monday after senior municipal officials allegedly attempted to block his visit.
According to a media statement released by the department, the MEC was “compelled to instruct officials to break locks that were used in an attempt to prevent him from addressing councillors.”
The MEC described the incident as a blatant act of obstruction by officials, including the Speaker and Municipal Manager of the Umkhanyakude District, who “barricaded the entrance to the municipality” to stop him from fulfilling his constitutional responsibilities.
Condemning their actions, Buthelezi said: “This conduct is unacceptable and goes against the principles of good governance and accountability. I will not be deterred in carrying out my constitutional mandate.”
With the doors to the municipal offices locked, the MEC held his meeting at the entrance of the building, where he informed councillors that the Provincial Executive Council had resolved to place the municipality under administration in terms of Section 139(1)(b) of the Constitution.
“This section empowers the provincial government to appoint an administrator when a municipality fails to fulfil its duties of providing services to communities,” Buthelezi explained.
He announced the appointment of Mr. Bamba Ndwandwe as the new administrator. “Mr. Ndwandwe is a seasoned local government veteran with extensive experience working with various municipalities across the province,” the MEC said. Ndwandwe officially took office on 1 July.
His immediate mandate is to stabilise the municipality and develop a “comprehensive turnaround plan” to address the issues that led to the intervention.
Buthelezi also revealed that a forensic investigation, authorised under Section 106 of the Municipal Systems Act, had been launched to probe allegations of corruption and maladministration.
“The investigation aims to thoroughly examine the various allegations, and officials will be held accountable should any wrongdoing be uncovered by the investigators,” he said.
The MEC called on the absent municipal leadership to cooperate fully with both the administrator and investigators, stressing the importance of urgency.
“MEC Buthelezi reiterated his unwavering commitment to working collaboratively with all KZN Municipalities to ensure they effectively deliver services and prioritise the interests of their communities,” the department stated.
Despite the confrontation, Buthelezi affirmed: “The MEC remains undeterred and will continue to work in the best interests of the residents of the KwaZulu-Natal province.”