MEC Buthelezi Announces Steps to Address Governance Challenges in uMdoni Municipality

Buthelezi commended the municipality for taking this bold action, emphasizing the importance of accountability.

KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) MEC, Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has announced decisive steps to address governance and service delivery challenges within the uMdoni Local Municipality. The move, made in accordance with Section 154(1) of the Constitution, seeks to improve the municipality’s capacity to manage its affairs while enhancing accountability.

The intervention comes after extensive engagements between the municipality, provincial officials, and local communities. It is designed to restore stability following various challenges that have hampered service delivery and financial management in the municipality, a key tourism hub on the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal.

Section 154(1) Intervention and Appointment of a Local Government Specialist

Section 154(1) of the Constitution mandates national and provincial governments to support and strengthen the capacity of municipalities through legislative and other measures. Buthelezi emphasized that this intervention, guided by the Provincial Executive, will offer enhanced support to uMdoni Local Municipality as it navigates its current challenges.

In line with this, a seasoned local government expert, Dhanpalan Devaraj Naidoo, has been appointed to lead the municipality through this critical phase. Naidoo brings over 30 years of local government experience, including 16 years as a Municipal Manager in the Ugu District and uMdoni Local Municipality. His extensive expertise is expected to be instrumental in stabilizing the administration and restoring effective service delivery.

“Naidoo is a seasoned local government specialist whose wealth of experience is unquestionable. We believe his expertise will be crucial in stabilizing the municipality,” said Buthelezi. “uMdoni is a key tourism hub that should exemplify good governance, sound financial management, and efficient service delivery. This is what ratepayers want to see.”

Council Support and Commitment to Collaboration

The decision to appoint a specialist has been welcomed by all political parties within the uMdoni council, which has committed to working closely with Naidoo and the provincial government. Buthelezi assured that Naidoo's role would support the council without undermining its constitutional powers and responsibilities.

Council members expressed optimism that the intervention would bring much-needed stability to the municipality, with many seeing this as an opportunity to rectify long-standing issues affecting service delivery and governance.

Suspension of Senior Officials Amid Financial Misconduct Allegations

In a parallel development, five senior officials from uMdoni Municipality, including the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Supply Chain Management Director, have been suspended following allegations of financial misconduct. The suspensions, effective since Friday, are part of an investigation into financial irregularities ahead of the May 2024 local elections.

Buthelezi commended the municipality for taking this bold action, emphasizing the importance of accountability. "The suspensions send a strong message in restoring a culture of good governance and consequence management in the department," he said.

The investigation into the allegations is ongoing, and the MEC expressed hope that it would lead to a thorough cleaning up of the municipality’s financial practices.

Future Outlook for uMdoni Municipality

With the Provincial Executive's intervention underway, the focus now shifts to improving service delivery, strengthening governance, and re-establishing trust between the municipality and its residents. The appointment of Naidoo and the decisive action against misconduct signals a clear commitment by provincial authorities to turn uMdoni into a model of good governance in KwaZulu-Natal.

The MEC’s office also stressed the importance of public participation, noting that regular updates on the progress of the intervention would be shared with the community.