Mkuze, 14 July 2025 – The KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) MEC, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, remains steadfast in his commitment to upholding the highest ethical standards in the governance of KZN Municipalities. Today, the MEC was compelled to instruct officials to break locks that were used in an attempt to prevent him from addressing councillors of the Mkhanyakude District.
The MEC has strongly condemned the conduct of officials, including the Umkhanyakude Speaker and Municipal Manager, who barricaded the entrance to the municipality, seeking to obstruct him from fulfilling his duties as empowered by the Constitution.
The MEC was forced to hold the meeting at the entrance of the District Offices, as they were closed. During his address, the MEC informed councillors of the Provincial Executive Council’s decision to place the municipality under 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.
MEC Buthelezi 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. He assumed his duties on 1 July and will serve as the ministerial representative.
According to MEC Buthelezi, Mr. Ndwandwe’s primary focus will be to stabilise the municipality and develop a comprehensive turnaround plan to address the issues that led to the municipality being placed under administration.
During his address, the MEC also announced the initiation of a forensic investigation into allegations of corruption and maladministration that have been brought to his attention. This investigation, being conducted in terms of Section 106 of the Municipal Systems Act, aims to thoroughly examine the various allegations. The intervention will ensure that officials are held accountable should any wrongdoing be uncovered by the investigators.
The MEC called upon the leadership of the municipality, who were notably absent during his visit, to fully cooperate with the administrator and the investigators. This cooperation is crucial to ensure that the challenges facing the municipality receive the urgent attention they deserve.
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 MEC remains undeterred and will continue to work in the best interests of the residents of the KwaZulu-Natal province.
ENDS