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The Municipal Demarcation Board’s (MDB) decision to not amalgamate local ANC-run municipalities with the DA-run uMngeni Local Municipality, to form a single metro is a victory for the party and the residents of uMngeni.

This comes after more than 10 000 objections were filed with the MDB by residents of uMngeni against this ANC-backed proposal. The DA congratulates residents on their action taken to protect their hard-won gains since 2021.

The board has concluded that the ANC-led proposal fails to meet the demarcation criteria and does not meet the threshold required for a Category A or B municipality as provided in terms of Section 2 of the Municipal Structures Act.

Had the amalgamation gone ahead, poorly ANC-run local municipalities such as Msunduzi, Mpofana and Impendle, among others would have merged with the efficiently run DA uMngeni Local Municipality.

Since the DA took over uMngeni Local Municipality from the ANC, there has been many drastic improvements as a result of honest, transparent and accountable governance. These include the clearing of a multimillion Rand historical debt, increased basket of services along with support to indigent households, tackling electricity issues, supporting and assisting youth-owned business and tourism, making uMngeni one of the fastest developing municipalities in the country.

The demarcation process is more than just about spatial planning, it also speaks to the ability to deliver services to residents, something the ANC has dismally failed to do while the DA-run uMngeni has received local, national and international recognition for the positive and resident-centered service delivery successes.

We see the Municipal Demarcation Board’s decision to not interfere with the uMngeni Local Municipality’s success as a victory and a clear sign that the DA is on the right track when it comes to service delivery. It is truly a DA beacon of light and hope in a sea of ANC failures. This is of particular importance as SA edges closer to arguably the most important election since the dawn of democracy.

The DA difference where the DA governs, like in uMngeni, is a clear message to disillusioned South Africans who have suffered under ANC rule for decades.

Issued by Greg Krumbock MP - Mooi-uMngeni Constituency Head