Pietermaritzburg, 9 October 2024 – The Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC, Rev Thulasizwe Buthelezi, engaged with the Parliament’s Cogta Portfolio Committee, chaired by Dr Zweli Mkhize, during its oversight visit to the Msunduzi Local Municipality today.
In his remarks to the Committee, MEC Buthelezi provided an overview of the state of governance and service delivery within the municipality. He commended the council of the Msunduzi Local Municipality for their willingness to work with the department in addressing governance and service delivery challenges. The MEC also informed the portfolio committee that he has sent correspondence to the Demarcation Board supporting the proposal for Msunduzi Municipality to be granted metro status, which will unlock more resources from national government for improving infrastructure and services.
The MEC praised the council for their efforts in turning around the municipality with the department’s support. “The leadership shown by the council is commendable. Their commitment to improving governance and service delivery is evident, especially considering that the municipality was recently under Section 139 (1)(b) intervention in terms of the Constitution,” said MEC Buthelezi.
The MEC also emphasised the importance of consequence management, particularly concerning senior officials. He acknowledged the steps taken by the municipality to ensure accountability and transparency.
Committee members welcomed the MEC’s presentation on the state of the Msunduzi Local Municipality and highlighted the good work being done by the Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC). The MEC noted that the support provided to the MPAC has started yielding positive results, with a reduction in irregular, fruitless, and wasteful expenditure.
Members of the committee emphasised the need for greater accountability and oversight by the council on the day-to-day activities of the municipality, considering that communities rely on the municipality for basic services such as water and electricity.
Officials from the municipality, led by Mayor Thebolla, presented to the committee on various service delivery projects and the state of the municipality’s finances. They outlined the steps being taken to improve the financial situation.
During the engagement, members of the portfolio committee raised their concerns about the conduct of one of the municipalities they visited. They received a rosy report from officials, but when they engaged with the community, it became clear that the reality was different. In response, the MEC expressed his concern about the conduct of such municipalities, which view themselves as being above Cogta’s oversight. This attitude is evident in how they treat any attempt by the department to exercise oversight, leading to situations where residents’ needs are neglected.
Rev Buthelezi assured the portfolio committee of the department’s commitment to supporting municipalities across the province. “Our goal is to foster a culture of good governance and efficient service delivery in all municipalities. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to achieve this,” said Buthelezi.
Issued by the Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Department.
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