Author: cogta_adm

“I am here today because of the intervention that you have made in my life: I now have a home and have been able to finish my studies – all because of you,” these were the emotional words uttered by Ndabenhle Buthelezi of eMahlabathini – one of 200 bursary holders and interns in the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) who attended an interactive session with MEC Nomusa Dube-Ncube at the Senate Chamber, UKZN Westville today.

The words spoken by Ndabenhle were echoed by many other learners and interns whose lives have been transformed by the department’s Internship and Bursary Programmes. KZN Cogta has over last two terms empowered over 1000 bursary holders and interns who are today working in the various sectors of our society which include the private sector and the public service, including local government.

In her address, MEC Dube-Ncube urged bursary holders to make the most of the opportunities they have been given. “Those of you who hold bursaries from Cogta or hold internships at Cogta are being groomed so that you can serve our people when you graduate or when you eventually take up permanent employment. It is an initiative of this government to ensure that all departments nurture their own talent from an early age,” said Dube-Ncube.

“The triple challenges our country is facing are poverty, unemployment and inequality. They can only be overcome if we tap into the talents that many of you possess. As a department, we are tasked with exercising oversight over municipalities in our province. We also provide assistance to municipalities in many areas, such as disaster management, spatial planning, local economic development and financial management,” said Dube-Ncube.

KZN Cogta is proud of its record with interns and bursary holders and both programmes are set to continue.

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MEDIA BRIEFING FOLLOWING THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF SECTION 139(1)b INTERVENTION AT MSUNDUZI LOCAL MUNICIPALITY

STATEMENT BY NOMUSA DUBE-NCUBE

KZN MEC FOR COGTA

PIETERMARITZBURG: 9 APRIL 2019

Ladies and gentlemen of the media

Thank you for availing yourselves for this important media briefing to announce measures that are intended to bring about the long-term stability of the uMsunduzi municipality.

We have just concluded a meeting with the Msunduzi Council, where I have delivered before the council a decision taken by the Provincial Executive Council.

I wish to start at the onset by highlighting that this municipality as many of you are aware is a home of our Capital City and as such it is a pride of our province.   It is therefore reasonable that all of us as citizens of this province expect it to lead by example when it comes to good governance, sound financial management and efficient service delivery. The people of this province look up to Pietermaritzburg as an embodiment of a well performing, well-governed municipality.  It is our collective duty as National and Provincial Government to assist and ensure that it lives up to this expectation.

We have just presented before the council measures to provide hands-on support and assist, not to point fingers and penalise, because we love and respect our capital city. Pietermaritzburg is the jewel of our province and we wish it to shine again.

Purpose of meeting with Msunduzi Council

We have apprised the council of the Provincial Executive’s decision to intervene in this municipality in terms of section 139(1)(b) of the Constitution to restore this municipality’s functionality in terms of proper governance, administration and, by extension, service delivery.

Reasons for the intervention

The intervention we have announced today is due to the inability by this municipality to hold its councillors accountable for deliberately absenting themselves from critical meetings and thus collapsing the quorum and rendering the Council dysfunctional. This municipality has also failed to institute consequence management measures for managers responsible for unauthorised and irregular expenditure. The Msunduzi Council has likewise failed to exercise oversight over management, with particular reference to the management of conditional grants resulting in under expenditure, stopping or threatened stopping of funds by National Treasury.

The Council has further failed to exercise oversight over management resulting in the cash position of the municipality being overdrawn. The Msunduzi Council has additionally failed to implement consequence management measures against persons responsible for failing to maintain proper records, resulting, for instance, in the municipality’s non-disclosure of pension and medical aid deductions.

The Msunduzi Council has also failed to resolve innumerable service delivery related challenges besetting the city, particularly waste management, roads and street maintenance as well as electricity services. And finally, the Msunduzi Council has failed to investigate allegations of malfeasance and maladministration against senior managers and other leaders of the municipality where necessary.

Way forward

It is against this background that we announce that with effect from today uMsunduzi is placed under intervention in terms of section 139(1)b of the Constitution, 1996.  This means that the functions specified in terms of sections 51, 56 and 57 of the Municipal Systems Act as well as those related to financial management and service delivery, including project management will be done with the hands-on support of the provincial government. It has become clear to the provincial government that uMsunduzi municipality is no longer able, alone, to guarantee the provision of a sustainable services to communities without an intervention from the national and provincial government.

To this end, we have appointed a ministerial representative to be based at the municipality who will prepare and implement a comprehensive recovery plan. Our ministerial representative will ensure implementation of financial systems, policies and procedures, including preparation and implementation of cost-cutting measures as well as implement governance systems and procedures, including oversight over the administration including ratification of decisions taken by the Municipal Council, the Executive Committee, Municipal Manager and Section 56 Managers.

Specifically, the ministerial representative will establish and act as chairperson of the Interim Finance Committee to monitor and manage the cash flow of the municipality, to approve or disapprove purchase requisitions and to ensure that the municipality’s cash position is not overdrawn. This newly established committee will have to meet and report regularly to the Executive Committee of the Msunduzi Council.

The ministerial representative will also ensure the implementation of remedial action plans dealing with negative findings from the Auditor General, including consequence management against managers and officials found to have caused unauthorised and irregular expenditure. Our representative will similarly ensure implementation of findings arising from any investigations into fraud or maladministration or corruption and to initiate new investigations where necessary.

It is time for a fresh start in this municipality. After a long period of instability and poor results, the people of Pietermaritzburg deserve that we give them a municipality they can be proud of through our hard work and flawless performance. The challenge for us here is to make sure that this municipality will soon live up to its promise of maintaining infrastructure, including roads, managing waste and delivering basic services to its communities.

Today I urged the elected municipal Council of Msunduzi to accept this new temporary arrangement and cooperate with our ministerial representative to ensure a smooth running of this municipality and its return to normality until this intervention is formally called off. It is our shared responsibility as two separate spheres of government to ensure that our capital city lives up to its designation as the City of Choice and that all its residents take pride in their municipality.

I thank you!

KZN MECs for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs – Nomusa Dube-Ncube and Health – Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo today urged the residents of Abaqulusi to exercise caution even as cholera has been ruled out in the area and as further tests are being done to establish the cause of intestinal infections in the area.

The two MEC’s visited communities in Vryheid to launch a massive electrification initiative that will see close to 2000 households being provided with electricity. They used the occasion to give an update to the community on the ongoing probe into the source of the Diarrhea cases that have seen some of the community members being admitted to hospital. “We have now concluded that cholera is not the cause of health issues experienced recently by local residents. Suggestions that local water is unsafe are also unfounded at this stage as further tests are being conducted but caution is in order in the interim,” said Dube-Ncube and Dhlomo in a joint statement.

The Provincial Government has been aware of numerous instances of intestinal infections at Abaqulusi and the area is being monitored by health experts. The first laboratory results have conclusively ruled out cholera and other tests are still underway. These will be formally publicised as soon as they become available.

“In the meantime, we urge the local residents to exercise extra caution while maintaining the highest standards of personal and domestic hygiene. When it comes to water, as a precaution, residents are encouraged to boil all local water that is intended for home use and particularly consumption,” said Dube-Ncube and Dhlomo.

The two MECs today jointly visited the area to monitor the progress their respective departments have made on the ground since the story of allegedly contaminated local water hit the news headlines. Dube-Ncube and Dhlomo met with the local residents who were encouraged to work with the authorities to establish the cause of intestinal infections in the area.

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KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Nomusa Dube-Ncube today officially opened the R16-million Amahlubi Community Service Centre in the Inkosi Langalibalele local municipality.

Today’s opening ceremony is a significant milestone in the lives of the Bhekuzulu residents and the surrounding communities as they now no longer need to travel long distances – as far as Ladysmith and Estcourt – to access government services.

Government services are now conveniently close to these residents, including standard services offered by Home Affairs, Post Office, Social Development, ward councillors and the local inkosi. This centre is therefore an important milestone in the government’s efforts to develop rural communities.

“We are committed to changing the lives of residents of the uThukela District who reside in rural areas. Youth within the surrounding communities are now attending computer lessons at the digital learning centre, which is housed within the CSC. This helps them to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the fourth industrial revolution,” said Dube-Ncube.

Sabelo Buthelezi, 26, who is one of the residents of the Bhekuzulu communities, says that the opening of the centre is a breakthrough for him as a young person as he is now able to do a course in programming at the centre.

In his address during today’s opening ceremony, Inkosi MJ Radebe thanked the MEC for the level of commitment her government has shown in bringing tangible service delivery to his people.

KZN Cogta has in the past five years built three community service centres in the uThukela District Municipality, namely Okhalamba Bergville, eKuvukeni and the Amahlubi CSCs. This is part of the massive rollout by government of world class infrastructure to benefit rural communities and to empower the youth to better utilise opportunities presented by the digital age.

For more information contact: KZN Cogta spokesperson Lennox Mabaso, 082 884 2403; or Senzelwe Mzila 082 474 1882

Twitter: www.twitter.com/kzncogta

Facebook: www.facebook.com/kzncogta

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Website: www.kzncogta.gov.za

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In response to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s call on all South Africans to take charge and clean up their living environment, KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Nomusa Dube-Ncube has, in the presence of national Ministers of Cogta Dr Zweli Mkhize and Environmental Affairs Nomvula Mokonyane, Deputy Minister of Cogta Andries Nel and KZN MEC for Health Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, today launched “Good Green Deeds” in the Pietermaritzburg CBD.

“Today’s massive clean-up campaign, which will be rolled out to the rest of KZN, has been designed to clean up sidewalks and storm drainage and cut grass and verges. It will also address illegal trading, law enforcement, by-laws transgressions and illegal posters, as necessary. We have made a good effort in Pietermaritzburg CBD this morning with the help of dozens of government and municipal officials,” said Dube-Ncube who personally joined one of the clean-up teams.

Today’s launch commenced early with the unveiling of millions of rand worth of yellow plant equipment which is destined for municipalities which have been hiring such equipment for local clean-up operations at enormous cost. The newly purchased equipment will help in cleaning drains, rebuilding infrastructure and improving the general environment in KZN’s municipalities, many of which have struggled with general cleanliness.

The equipment include:  16 x TLB, 11x Graders, 15 x Water Tankers, 18 x Rollers, 19 x Honey Suckers, 6 x fire trucks, 1 x long base fire engine totaling R104 million.

“In addition to clean-up operations in the province’s municipalities, the government will also take steps to ensure that citizens are informed when their grass will be cut, refuse collected and environment cleaned. We are pleased to report that many businesses are already showing enthusiasm and promising to avail their staff, adopt a spot to clean regularly and donate equipment for this province-wide clean-up campaign,” said Dube-Ncube.

 Twitter: www.twitter.com/kzncogta

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Website: www.kzncogta.gov.za

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KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Nomusa Dube-Ncube has called for zero tolerance in communities for those who prey on the most vulnerable in our society. Dube-Ncube made this call at a Human Rights Day event in the KwaDukuza local municipality today.

Dube-Ncube urged residents not to be complicit in covering up abuses of women and children that might take place within their families “It is important that we face the scourge of abuse of women and children head-on in our communities and within our families. People who are aware of such abuses and do not report them are complicit – in the violation of the rights of the most vulnerable in our society,” said Dube-Ncube.

The area of Ntshawini has experienced a series of incidents, including murders, which have warranted a direct response from the law enforcement agencies. Observing Human Rights Day in Ntshawini is aimed at addressing the scourge of crime and the abuse of women and children within the district, especially in this area.

The celebrations were also attended by Mayor of KwaDukuza Cllr Ricardo Mthembu who urged residents of Ntshawini to work together with the law enforcement agencies to ensure that those who are perpetrators of abuse ultimately face the full might of the law.

For more information contact: KZN Cogta spokespersons Lennox Mabaso, 082 884 2403, or Senzelwe Mzila, 082 474 1882

Twitter: www.twitter.com/kzncogta

Facebook: www.facebook.com/kzncogta

Instagram: www.instagram.com/kzncogta

Website: www.kzncogta.gov.za

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KZN Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) has exercised its constitutional prerogative to directly intervene in the governance and management of Mtubatuba and Richmond local municipalities. It is for the first time that a direct intervention in terms of section 139(1)b of the constitution has been implemented in two municipalities in a single day.

“These interventions mean that the Provincial Government will take over the executive functions of these two municipalities temporarily to restore them to full functionality. This is a measure of last resort and we have decided to intervene at Mtubatuba and Richmond after all other attempts at support had failed,” said KZN MEC for Cogta Nomusa Dube-Ncube.

Despite Cogta’s continuous and intensive support, the Mtubatuba Council and administration had struggled to rescue the municipality from financial distress, governance and organisational challenges which have negatively impacted service delivery. Mtubatuba has a history of instability, political infighting and public protests. The department had instituted similar interventions at Mtubatuba in the past.

“This time, our intervention is in response to Mtubatuba Council’s inability to meet repeatedly due to a lack of quorum and the municipality’s failure to adopt the annual report, including the annual financial statements, audit report and audit response plan. Mtubatuba’s reckless spending now also indicates that the municipality will soon not have sufficient money to fund its operations,” said Dube-Ncube.

KZN Cogta is also concerned about Mtubatuba’s notable failure to effectively deal with the long outstanding proliferation of refuse matter, particularly in the towns of Mtubatuba and St Lucia. The municipality likewise continues to operate unlicensed refuse dumps and is constantly under threat of closure from the national Department of Environmental Affairs.

At Richmond, KZN Cogta’s intervention is due to ongoing dysfunctionality where the municipal leadership and management have collectively failed to ensure political and administrative stability for an extended period of time with various parties resorting to litigation to resolve internal matters. These developments are adversely affecting the operations of the municipality and its service delivery to communities.

“There have been allegations of maladministration, fraud and corruption against senior managers at Richmond. Similarly, labour protests, work stoppages and general safety concerns have prevented the Auditor General from completing the audit for the 2017/2018 financial year at Richmond. Political tensions are evident here and impacting negatively on service delivery,” said Dube-Ncube.

KZN Cogta’s has voiced its concerns about the financial mismanagement at Richmond which is evidenced by a long litany of unauthorised, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure, unspent conditional grants, flouted public procurement procedures and a lack of internal controls. The department has provided support and guidance to the municipality but these efforts have not yielded the desired results.

The interventions at Mtubatuba and Richmond mean that KZN Cogta will be appointing ministerial representatives to prepare and implement recovery plans to ensure the implementation of financial systems, policies and procedures, including preparation and implementation of cost-cutting measures. The administrators will also implement governance systems and procedures, including proper oversight.

For more information contact: KZN Cogta spokespersons Lennox Mabaso, 082 884 2403, or Senzelwe Mzila, 082 474 1882

Twitter: www.twitter.com/kzncogta

Facebook: www.facebook.com/kzncogta

Instagram: www.instagram.com/kzncogta

Website: www.kzncogta.gov.za

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Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Nomusa Dube-Ncube, today handed over a 100 title deeds to members of the community and also announced the rebuilding of Inkonkoni Primary in uMlaza V Section,  during a community engagement at Nkonkoni Primary School, which is situated in uMlaza’s ward 88.

When the MEC visited the school and the ward 88 early in the year, she had found that the school had deteriorating infrastructure and that a number of elderly community members did not have title deeds to their homes.

She had then made a promise to come back to the ward and fix the school’s deteriorating infrastructure in stages and also give title deeds.

During the handing over of renovating materials to the school, she told members of the community that it was vital for children to attend a school that was in a good condition. The MEC further promised members of the community that she would build a playground inside the school.
The renovating materials included paint, doors and window frames. “As members of the community, I urge you to be vanguards of this school, I call on all of you to protect the schools infrastructure and not let criminals to take away what belongs to you as the community,” said Dube-Ncube.

MEC Dube-Ncube also handed over uniforms to students from poor households.

The MEC proceeded to handover a 100 title deeds to jubilant members of the community. Receivers of the title were also given groceries.

“It is vital that we bring back dignity to our communities and by handing over these title deeds, we are doing just that,” said Dube-Ncube.
The Nkonkoni Primary School was one of the schools that played a pivotal role during the freedom struggle as it sheltered freedom fighters.

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The KZN Provincial House of Traditional Leaders was officially opened today by His Majesty the King, Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu at the Old Legislative Building in Ulundi which houses the institution.

The annual opening is a key moment in the province’s calendar of events when the King addresses amakhosi on pressing issues affecting communities across the province.

Today’s opening was a wonderful and colourful occasion with amakhosi adorned in their traditional attire gathered together to hear the King’s wise counsel. In his address, the Zulu King condemned the barbaric act of sabotage in which Mayville offices of KZN Cogta were torched in the early hours of this morning.

In her address, MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Nomusa Dube-Ncube, who was representing the Premier, thanked His Majesty for the guidance he continues to give to the province.

“As the provincial government, we are honoured to have a good relationship with the institution of traditional leadership who are a reliable partner in our government’s efforts to develop our communities,” said Dube-Ncube.

For more information contact: KZN Cogta spokespersons Lennox Mabaso, 082 884 2403, or Senzelwe Mzila, 082 474 1882

Twitter: www.twitter.com/kzncogta

Facebook: www.facebook.com/kzncogta

Instagram: www.instagram.com/kzncogta

Website: www.kzncogta.gov.za

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