Councilor Sindiso Magaqa’s death a crippling blow to the sphere of local government – Cogta MEC

The embattled eMadlangeni municipality in Utrecht, Northen KwaZulu-Natal, which was placed under provincial administration in terms of section 139(1)(b) of the Constitution, following the collapse of governance and service delivery, was paid a visit today by the KZN Cogta MEC Nomusa Dube-Ncube where she addressed over 3000 community members who had gathered at the White City Sports Grounds at ward 2 on 31.01.17.

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, MEC Nomusa Dube-Ncube, has described the news of the sudden death of uMzimkhulu Municipality councillor, Sindiso Magaqa, as a crippling blow to the sphere of local government and a time for a united action to end the impunity of killers who have spilled too much blood of local government representatives in our province.

Dube-Ncube was reacting to the shocking and tragic news that Councilor Magaqa one of the youngest and rising local government leaders finally succumbed to injuries sustained during an assassination attempt in July 2017.

Councilor Magaqa was one of the three uMzimkhulu councillors who were shot at by unknown assailants while returning from a meeting. The trio sustained serious injuries after the suspects unleashed a hail of bullets at their car.

The incident prompted a joint visit by the KZN MECs for Cogta Nomusa Dube-Ncube  and Community Safety and Liaison, Mxolisi Kaunda,  who urged the police to work around the clock to ensure that perpetrators of this heinous crime are brought to book.

KZN Cogta has long voiced its concerns about the increase in attacks on local government representatives. The department has described these violent incidents as a dangerous trigger that could plunge the province’s municipalities into chaos and a state of ungovernability.

“The loss of such a young and energetic community leader is indeed a grievous loss.  The sphere of local government lost one of the most zealous and determined public servant who dedicated his short span of life to the cause of bettering his community.  His devotion to serving the community at the coalface of service delivery he exemplified, is a message to young people that they must dedicate themselves to making a difference where it matters the most” said Cogta MEC Nomusa Dube-Ncube

The latest death in uMzimkhulu has once again demonstrated that a cowardly use of violence against a councillor was carried out with the intention of subverting the will of the people who elected him.  We are confident that justice will be served to all those behind this heinous deed.

We extend heartfelt sympathy, thoughts and prayers to the family of Councilor Sindiso Magaqa, his friends, relatives and Comrades.

For more information please contact: KZN Cogta spokespersons Lennox Mabaso, 082 8842403; or Msawakhe Mayisela, 060 966 4220

ENDS