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206 Utrecht Street, Vryheid: The African National Congress in Mzala Nxumalo Region is encouraged by the work of its deployees in the corruption riddled Abaqulusi Local Municipality under Inkatha Freedom Party.

The ANC, in the interests of the people of Abaqulusi, has taken a decision to continue to support all efforts of ANC councillors aimed at exposing and stopping the rot in the municipality. This includes passing a vote of no confidence in the Office Bearers.

It will be the abdication of our responsibilities as the ANC, if we turn a blind eye to acts of maladministration and corruption.

We welcome the position of  other opposition political parties. Indeed, we may come from different political parties but we have a common problem - the IFP - which is public enemy number 1.

We must unite and crush the arrogance of the party's Office Bearers.

It should be noted that over the past 6 months, the IFP through the Speaker  Cllr Michael Khumalo has used all tricks in the book to avoid the tabling of a report of an Special Ethics Committee. There have been more than 5 requests submitted by different political parties including the ANC.

This committee was established on the 25th February to investigate mismanagement of municipal finances - including the following allegations:-

1.    Circumstances surrounding the appointment of a municipal manager Mr Zwelihle Dhlamini who is in possession of bogus qualifications;

2.    The illegal use of lamp emitting a blue light from a vehicle used by an Office Bearer;

3.    Excessive hiring of cars and bodyguards without any form of threat analysis being conducted by the South African Police Services.

Critically, the ANC remains determined to ensure that a special sitting is convened to pass a vote of no confidence in the Office Bearers.

This is based on the following:

1.    The non-compliance to fulfil their duties, obligations and responsibilities in terms of the Constitution of South Africa1996, the Municipal Finance Management Act 56 of 2003, the Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000, and the Municipal Structures Act 117 of 1998;

2.    Widespread fraud and corruption associated with the supply chain and procurement sections.

Importantly, the Office Bearers do not contribute to the enhancement or fulfilment of the objectives of local government as required by the Constitution of South Africa1996 Chapter 7:-

152. 

Objects of local government are:-

a.  to provide democratic and accountable government for local communities;

b. to ensure the provision of services to communities in a sustainable manner;

c. to promote social and economic development;

d. to encourage the involvement of communities and community organisations in the matters of local government.

Lastly, as the ANC in Abaqulusi, we are calling upon all political parties inside and outside the council, residents and progressive forces to stand up against the abuse of municipal finances which should be used to ensure the provision of water, electricity, housing and job creation for the benefit of residents.

Issued by the ANC in Mzala Nxumalo Region