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The DA in eThekwini has written to the Chairperson of Human Settlements and Infrastructure (HSI), Councillor Philani Mavundla following an infographic that has been widely circulated on social media regarding a Durban Solid Waste (DSW) clean-up campaign today (view here).

This infographic with images of Mavundla and Duduzane Zuma was not communicated to the members of the committee when we met this Tuesday, which it should have been if this is a municipal program.

It seems that the Deputy Mayor is reaching out to the RET faction of the ANC through Duduzane Zuma in a desperate bid to cling onto his position after growing rumours that Mayor Mxolisi Khaunda may be fired in the not too distant future.

There are also some very serious questions that the Deputy Mayor must answer, including:

1. Whether or not this cleaning program is a political ploy to boost his standing with the ANC and how and why Duduzane Zuma is involved in this campaign?
2. Is Mr. Zuma being paid for his participation in this campaign, if so, how much?
3. What is the total cost of the program?
3. What is the objective of the program? Is the Deputy Mayor accepting or confirming that his department has failed to do its job?

The DA is concerned that it has become a norm for the Chairperson to arrange programs to promote his political ambitions, without the committee involvement or engagement.

The DA condemns the poor planning and reckless spending of rate payers money, and the blatant disregard to disclose how much has been spent and whether or not the municipality is footing the bill. This is a clear political campaign and the DA will seek answers and ensure that municipal funds are not spent for a select few for their own political gain.

Issued by Councillor Zamani Khuzwayo - DA eThekwini Caucus Whip: HS&I Committee