MEC Dube-Ncube takes over executive powers of troubled Mooi Mpofana Municipality

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.
KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Nomusa Dube-Ncube today addressed the Mooi Mpofana municipal council with an announcement of the Provincial Government’s intervention in this municipality in terms of section 139(1)b of the Constitution.
“I must emphasise that this is a repeat intervention following our previous efforts to address dysfunctionality at Mooi Mpofana where there is a long history of anarchy that has repeatedly resulted in public protests, unprotected strikes by employees and destruction of public property,” said Dube-Ncube.
KZN Cogta’s attempts to reverse Mooi-Mpofana’s self-inflicted financial difficulties and lack of action and oversight have been consistent but frustrating. Since 2012 Mooi Mpofana municipality has been plagued with chronic instability that has necessitated two previous interventions, including a dissolution of the council in 2014.
“We are determined to start afresh but for this we need a buy-in from all political parties and individual councillors who are also reminded that the current intervention can be escalated to even more drastic measures such as dissolution of the current council if our support does not yield satisfactory results,” said Dube-Ncube.
The municipality’s financial position is dire with insufficient funds to cover its long-term commitments, unpaid creditors, unspent conditional grants and a debt to Eskom which has previously raised the possibility of disconnection of services to the community. The municipality is also failing to maintain infrastructure and collect revenue.
Section 139(1)b of the Constitution empowers the Provincial Executive to act whenever a municipality cannot or does not fulfil its obligations. It was thus proposed that the Provincial Executive once again intervenes at this municipality in terms of section 139(1)b of the Constitution and appoints an administrator to ensure its functionality.
KZN Cogta’s administrator Martin Sithole will be expected to prepare and implement a comprehensive recovery plan for the municipality, carry out oversight over the municipal administration, approve all decisions taken by the Municipal Manager, and capacitate the councillors on their roles.
For more information contact: KZN Cogta spokesperson Lennox Mabaso, 082 884 2403; or Msawakhe Mayisela, 060 966 4220
Ends.