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206 Utrecht Street, Vryheid: The African National Congress in Mzala Nxumalo Region remains determined to expose the rot in the corruption riddled Abaqulusi Local Municipality under Inkatha Freedom Party.

As expected, the IFP through the Speaker  Cllr Michael Khumalo once again concocted a flimsy excuse to postpone the tabling of a Special Ethics Committee Report.  The report was supposed to be tabled today at 10h00.

Citing the involvement of specialized state agencies on the matter, the Speaker, without any form of consultation with political parties - decided 30 minutes before the sitting - to inform councillors of the postponement.

As stated last week, there have been more than 5 requests submitted to the Speaker by different political parties including the ANC for this report to be tabled.

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

1.    Widespread corruption associated with supply chain management;

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

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

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

Our message is clear - the IFP office Bearers can run for now but cannot hide forever. This report will finally be tabled and those who have been involved in the embezzlement of taxpayers money will be exposed.

Importantly, we reiterate our position as the ANC, that in the interests of the people of Abaqulusi, we will push for the tabling of a vote of no confidence on the IFP Office Bearers.

We stand behind our call for 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 African National Congress in Mzala Nxumalo Region