Scottburgh, 30 September 2024 – The Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) MEC, Rev Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has announced decisive measures to address governance and service delivery challenges in the uMdoni Local Municipality. This intervention aligns with his commitment to improve service delivery, strengthen governance, and enhance accountability within KwaZulu-Natal’s local government.
This morning, the MEC met with the full council to communicate the Provincial Executive’s decision to intervene in the municipality under section 154(1) of the Constitution. This step follows extensive engagements with the municipality and community members aimed at restoring stability.
The MEC believes that the section 154(1) intervention, guided by the Provincial Executive, will provide the municipality with enhanced support from the provincial government. A local government specialist, Mr Dhanpalan Devaraj Naidoo, will be appointed to guide the municipality through its current challenges. Mr Naidoo brings 30 years of experience in local government, having served as a Municipal Manager in the Ugu District for 8 years and in the uMdoni Local Municipality for another 8 years. His expertise is expected to be invaluable in stabilising the municipality.
“Mr Naidoo is a seasoned local government specialist whose wealth of experience is unquestionable. We believe his expertise will be crucial in stabilising 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.”
The MEC clarified that the local government specialist will support the council without undermining its powers and responsibilities. The Provincial Executive’s decision to intervene has been welcomed by all parties in the council, who have pledged to work together with the specialist to ensure the municipality’s stabilisation.
Issued by the Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Department.