Category: News

KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Sipho Hlomuka has travelled to the crisis-ridden uMkhanyakude district municipality today where he called on its councillors to rise above their narrow self-interest and place the needs of their communities first. 

Hlomuka today met with the councillors and management of the municipality in Mkhuze following a series of protests which saw angry community members blockading the district’s headquarters. Their main complaint has been about the municipality’s inability to provide critical services, such as water provision. 

In his address to the council, Hlomuka expressed his concerns and disappointment about the councillors’ apparent failure to provide solid leadership and stability to the municipality that has been plagued by infighting which is now seriously compromising service delivery. 

“As councillors, although you are at the end of your term, you still have the responsibility to ensure that your successors inherit a functional municipality. You have clearly not been equal to the task the people of uMkhanyakude bestowed on you. The remaining days of your term are an opportunity to address issues raised by your communities. I, as MEC for Cogta, cannot take your place as elected representatives of the people of uMkhanyakude,” said Hlomuka.

During the meeting, Hlomuka urged the management of the municipality to ensure that their workers do their jobs to advance the municipality. The MEC also demanded an explanation from the council and management regarding the role played by uMkhanyakude staff in the blockading of the municipality’s headquarters with municipal water tankers. 

During today’s special council sitting, uMkhanyakude’s Mayor Cllr Tim Moodley offered his perspective on the challenges that are faced by his municipality. In his response, Administrator Bamba Ndwandwe tabled a report on the status of the Provincial Government’s intervention in the municipality so far. 

Hlomuka has vowed that his department would not allow the municipality to descend further into chaos but would continue to provide wide-ranging support to the municipality. 

Issued by the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs 

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The Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) MEC Sipho Hlomuka has expressed his concern with the failure by the Abaqulusi local municipality to maintain critical infrastructure in the town of Vryheid and the township of Bhekuzulu. This morning MEC Hlomuka paid a special visit to the Bhekuzulu township where he conducted a clean-up campaign and inspected the de-clogging of the sewer plant which caused serious health hazards to residents as it was clogged and had sewerage going into people’s homes. 

In his visit, the MEC was accompanied by officials from the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs who inspected the clean-up of the sewer plant. This visit follows the complaints that were raised by community members when MEC Hlomuka was visiting the area two weeks ago. 

Speaking during the visit, MEC Hlomuka expressed his concern at the deplorable state that the people of Bhekuzulu were living under having to contend with sewerage spilling over into their homes as a result of the failure by the municipality to maintain the plant. MEC Hlomuka also called upon the community members to ensure that they follow proper waste disposal guides and not throw things that do not belong in a sewerage system. 

In the visit the MEC was accompanied by the Deputy Mayor of the Abaqulusi Cllr Maphisa, the Mayor of eDumbe Cllr Kunene, Mayor of oPhongolo Cllr Mhlongo and the Cogta HOD Mr Thando Tubane.

The intervention of the MEC compelled the municipality to move with pace to address the maintenance of the plant, the MEC has vowed that his department will continue to keep a close eye on municipalities across the province to ensure that they deliver services to communities. 

“As a department we want our municipalities to fulfil their duties, when resident’s complaint to us about service delivery we are compelled to act and ensure that our municipalities deliver,” said Hlomuka.

Issued by the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs. 

The communities of Highflats, uMzimkhulu, Ixopo and Bulwer under the Harry Gwala District Municipality will finally receive reprieve from their water woes and have access to water closer to their homes and businesses.

This comes after the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal Sihle Zikalala today, inspected and commissioned a borehole at KwaSkeyi – a rural community in Highflats. The Premier also drank the clean water flowing out of the borehole during the launch of the KwaZulu-Natal Water Master Plan and Borehole Intervention Programme.

The Water Master Plan spells out the water related challenges and outlines the short, medium and long term solutions. As part of the medium-term measures the provincial government through the department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs has built 250 boreholes in six districts; Amajuba, uMkhanyakude, Zululand, uMzinyathi, uThukela and Harry Gwala.

Addressing scores of community members during an engagement in Mzwandile Mhlawuli Sportfield in uMzumkhulu, Premier Zikalala said the Provincial Government of KwaZulu-Natal has prioritised the provision of water and other basic services including electricity, sanitation, roads and internet access.

“We are pleased that this launch of these production boreholes and production pumps occurs as we conclude Public Service Month and Heritage Month. This is a testament to the ANC-led government’s commitment to fulfil the constitutionally enshrined right to water which is guaranteed in our Bill of Rights. It is also appropriate that the ANC- government adopted the theme for the 2021 Human Rights which is held every year in March, as South Africa’s Water Month with the theme of “Water for All.” Government has a keen interest in ensuring that everyone especially those in rural communities also taste the full benefits of freedom by ensuring that they receive basic services like water and decent sanitation,” said Premier Zikalala.“Water is life. It is a precious resource we cannot survive without. We cannot grow the economy and create employment without it. It is necessary for agriculture and is always at the heart of economic development. With the advent of COVID-19, we also saw water becoming central in fighting the pandemic which first announced itself in KwaZulu-Natal in March 2020. Our prevention strategy for arresting the spread of the infectious virus has been based on strict hand hygiene by washing hands regularly,” said Premier Zikalala.

Furthermore, Premier Zikalala said other major water projects include:• The uMshwathi Bulk Water Scheme launched in November 2020 at cost of R 500 million;• The Lower uMkhomazi BWSS Umgeni Water which is estimated to be completed in 2023 at an estimated total cost of R 3 billion;• Cwabeni Project Location which will be completed in 2022 at an estimated total cost of R 1 billion.• Stephen Dlamini Dam – the estimated project cost is R1billion and the estimated completion date is 2023;• uMkhomazi Water Project: once completely developed, phase 1 and phase 2, will be the largest water transfer scheme in South Africa, at an estimated total cost of R 23 billion.

“The Water Master Plan is one of the clearest indications by our government of our commitment to building better communities by delivery that is tangible, demonstrable and measurable. This Provincial Water Master Plan lays out all the facets of that requirement and will be a test of our mission to build a capable developmental state which adequately addresses the needs of our people in its delivery of quality, sustainable services. The plan will require no less than R150 billion in the next ten to fifteen years,” said Premier Zikalala.

Premier Zikalala was joined by the MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Ravi Pillay, MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development Bongi Sithole-Moloi, MEC for Social Development Nonhlanhla Khoza, MEC for Health Nomagugu Simelane, MEC for Human Settlements and Public Works Jomo Sibiya, Provincial House of Traditional Leaders Chairperson Inkosi Phathisizwe Chiliza and local leadership, Provincial Planning Commission Chairperson Mzimkulu Msiwa the Director-General of the Province Dr Nonhlanhla Mkhize.

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The Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) MEC Sipho Hlomuka has called for greater transparency and dialogue between the uThukela Water Board and its shareholders which are the Districts of Mzinyathi, Amajuba and the Newcastle Local Municipality. 

Uthukela Water Board as an entity supplies bulk potable water to the three Water Service Authorities of Newcastle, Amajuba and uMzinyathi. 

MEC Hlomuka met with the Water Board and representatives of its shareholders today.

During the meeting, the entity made a presentation on its current financial state which is quite dire as it is owed R 243 million by the municipalities that it supplies with water and has a backlog of infrastructure to the tune of R700 million. 

In his address to the management of the entity and shareholder representatives, MEC Hlomuka expressed his concern at the deteriorating financial situation of the entity which was found to have serious governance breaches and failures by a section 106 forensic investigation that was done by the department and handed over to the shareholder for implementation of its recommendations.

“We are concerned with allegations of nepotism and the failure to follow all proper processes as outline in the Municipal Finance Management Act. These governance failures are compromising the entity and we want you as shareholders and management to deal with these allegations that were set out in the forensic report” said Hlomuka. 

The entity also faced allegations of racism which were investigated by the department and sustained but the entity has failed to act against the perpetrators. 

The MEC has directed the shareholders of the entity to strengthen their oversight and implement measures that will hold to account the management of the entity and those that have since resigned but had committed criminal acts. 

Should the shareholders fail to exercise proper oversight the viability of the entity could come into question. 

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KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Sipho Hlomuka has urged residents to exercise extreme caution as inclement weather conditions continue across large parts of the province. 

Heavy rain in and around Durban has led to a landslide at La Mercy where parts of a road collapsed and a section of a house was washed away. In KwaDukuza, Ward 16, a house collapsed as a result of the heavy rains. No injuries or fatalities were reported in these incidents, both of which took place this morning. 

Hlomuka has assigned disaster management teams to provide the necessary support to the affected families and to investigate the circumstances surrounding these incidents. The teams are continuing to monitor areas that are prone to weather-related incidents. Residents who experience weather-related incidents are urged to contact their local disaster management centre. 

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Mr Sipho Hlomuka, MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs in KwaZulu-Natal, officiated over the event, which saw the Phezukomkhono Youth Agricultural Cooperative under isiZwe sakwaXolo in Ray Nkonyeni municipality receiving a cheque of R6,5 million. The ceremony took place on Saturday, August 28, 2021, in KwaXolo Traditional Council.

Inkosi MBW Xolo, uGu District Mayor, Cllr SR Ngcobo, uMdoni Local Mayor Cllr ST Khathi, and Ray Nkonyeni accompanied Hlomuka.

Hlomuka saw it fit to fund this cooperative that is within the department’s approach to LED, which states that the department must embark on an initiative of developing rural areas through Amakhosi Economic Development support called Rural Economic Development.

Lindokuhle Nzala of Phezukomkhono Cooperative and who is also the Chairperson of these youth-owned cooperative said that they produce vegetables and agricultural crops such as maize and chilies, as well as raising pigs, rabbits, and chickens. He also stated that they produce seedlings that they plant and sell to the general public.

Nzala also praised the department for its assistance in moving them forward in their fight against unemployment and poverty. “We are grateful to the department led by Mr Sipho Hlomuka, who observed us working hard and needing to expand but were unable to do so due to a lack of resources such as infrastructure. As a result of his assistance, our goal will come true; we will grow,  generate employment, and combat poverty”, said Nzama.

Hlomuka saw and applauded the efforts of these young people, which benefits rural communities. “We’ve observed the efforts of KwaXolo’s youth through a cooperative named Phezukomkhono. We are delighted to see young people take an interest in farming and livestock. The majority of the time farming is associated with the elderly people. Their efforts will help to battle unemployment and grow rural regions. We will continue to help youth, particularly in rural communities, as a department”, said Hlomuka.

Hlomuka also urged the KwaXolo community to keep supporting the cooperative.

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Having more women in leadership positions is more important than ever

This was one of the many sentiments shared by the panellists in the Women in Local Government and Traditional Leadership Dialogue which was hosted by KZN Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) MEC Sipho Hlomuka, at the KZN Training Academy on 31st of August 2021.

Amongst the esteemed guests were the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Development Mr Ronald Lamola, who delivered the keynote address, the Deputy Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, the Deputy Chairperson of the KZN Provincial House of Traditional Leaders Inkosi PT Zulu, Chairperson of Sports and Recreation Portfolio Committee Ms Amanda Bani-Mapena and the Mayor of the uBuhlebezwe local municipality Cllr EB Ngubo.

The dialogue, which was attended by female mayors, deputy mayors, speakers and amakhosi, focused on challenges affecting women in local government and the traditional leadership institution in the province.

The panellists also highlighted the necessity of gender balance in eadership roles as the province and country prepare for local government elections.

Speaking in this dialogue, MEC Hlomuka expressed his delight in the department’s efforts in ensuring that women are not oppressed.

“We pride ourselves in the progress we have made in recognising the contribution our women make in the public life of our province. We actively support women empowerment through capacitating women in local government and traditional institutions. We are also proud to mention that more than 60% of management positions in our Department are occupied by women”, said Hlomuka.

Minister Lamola also voiced his concern about the rising crime rate and urged the guests, who are leaders at the grassroots level, to aid security clusters in battling crime.

“When discussing the change of the judiciary, we must also consider the racial and gender diversity of judges, as well as the competence of other key actors in the value chain. Furthermore, as women in positions of leadership on the ground, you must join and support us as the justice and security cluster in combating our communities’ alarming crime rate,” urged Lamola.

The programme concluded with a candlelight item to honour all the women who have lost their lives through gender-based violence. Women were encouraged to seek support and speak out against any form of gender-based.

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The provision of services such as water and electricity in the rural municipality of Msinga received a major boost this morning when the Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) MEC Sipho Hlomuka officially handed over the eMzweni Electrification project in Ward 2 and the eMakhamo borehole project in Ward 3.

A resident of the area Zanele Sangweni, could not contain her joy when MEC Hlomuka officially handed over the borehole to her community, who previously had to walk long distances to access water. “We are thrilled to now have access to drinking water within the reach of our homes. We used to make long arduous trips to get water, we are happy now that water is closer to us” said Sangweni.

The launch of the borehole is a culmination of efforts made by the department of Cogta, which saw it invest millions of rands into borehole projects within the uMzinyathi District, to bring water to close to the communities of uMsinga. 

“The area of Msinga has a dire shortage of water and our visit today, to hand over this borehole to the community is an important milestone in our efforts. While boreholes are not a long term solution, they are better than water tankering and will give the District room to bring other water schemes on board to alleviate the water shortages within the community of Msinga” said Hlomuka. 

Through the investment made by the department, 20 solar-powered production boreholes have been drilled in the District. Out of this number six boreholes have been done in Msinga, in the areas of Bahulazi Village(ward 16), eMakhamo ward 3, Mbabane ward 5, Rockerdrift ward 12, Ndaya ward 13, Mngeni and Ngubukazi in Ward 16.

“As the provincial government, we are continuing to work with the Mzinyathi District to ensure that all the grants they receive for water projects are utilised” adds Hlomuka.

As part of this visit, MEC Hlomuka also visited the community of eMzweni where he officially conducted a switch-on of the electrification project which will benefit close to 100 households. The community of eMzweni did not have electricity before and the R1.5 million project brings the modern-day conveniences of electricity to the rural households of the area. 

One of the beneficiaries of the project, Mamayi Buthelezi (57) says that the electrification project has brought much hope to them. “We felt abandoned in all this time when we did not have electricity, the intervention by the MEC Hlomuka has transformed our lives as we now have access to electricity as a result of the department’s intervention. We are grateful for this” said a happy Buthelezi. 

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As a way of lending a helping hand to the destitute members of the community around eThekwini, the department hosted a Social Partnership Engagement Programme on Saturday, 21 August 2021 at Mnini Thusong Centre.

This was made possible by the strong partnership fostered by the Public Participation chief directorate under the leadership of the Acting DDG Local Government Ms Funi Makhanya with social partners on behalf of the department.

Touched by this outstanding initiative led by the department, other members of the KwaZulu-Natal Executive Council, MEC for Transport Ms Peggy Nkonyeni and the MEC for Human Settlements also participated in the day’s programme.

As a highlight of all spheres of government working towards one common goal, the Speaker of eThekwini Ms Weziwe Thusi as well as other local and traditional leaders took part in the programme.

To kickstart the day’s proceedings, the Principals were joined by women when they led a march to raise awareness and call for an end to the abuse of women and children.

The fight against gender-based violence remains one of the government’s key and crucial programmes. The relief programme was targeted at households that are in dire need as a result of the recent public unrest that impacted large parts of the eThekwini metro where billions of rands worth of private and public infrastructure were damaged.

Through the relief programme, 300 women-headed households benefitted from donations of groceries. Social partners included SANTACO, Icebolethu Foundation, eThekwini Metro as well the city’s Biker Community. In addition to the 300 women-headed households which benefitted from donations of groceries, a total of 7 sewing machines were handed over to a woman-owned company that manufactures taxi seat covers.

The women were identified by SANTACO through its Women’s Desk which ensures that widows of taxi owners are absorbed into the business and continue to provide for their families. Delivering the keynote address, the MEC for Transport Ms Peggy Nkonyeni applauded COGTA for engaging in the social partnership programme. She also encouraged women to venture into viable initiatives to boost their economic stability.

“The government presents a lot of business opportunities for women to upskill themselves in the business industry and you should grab them with both hands to take care of yourselves and your families,” said Nkonyeni.

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In line with his commitment to “make local government work better for the people of the province”, KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Sipho Hlomuka has applauded the good work of the staff within his department, following the announcement by the Auditor-General that KZN Cogta achieved a second consecutive clean audit for the 2020/2021 financial year. 

Hlomuka believes that the latest clean audit is a reflection on the commitment the department’s HOD, Mr Thando Tubane, and staff have towards ensuring that every cent that is allocated to the department is utilised in a manner that is optimal and benefits the people of the province. 

“As a department that exercises oversight over the institution of traditional leadership and the sphere of local government, we strongly believe that we have to lead by example in showing our municipalities that it is possible to achieve a clean audit and implement systems of governance that ensure that taxpayers’ monies are accounted for and utilised in a transparent manner that meets the stringent requirements of the Auditor-General,” said Hlomuka. 

Speaking about the achievement of the clean audit, HOD Tubane, thanked MEC Hlomuka for the political leadership that he continues to provide in the department, which has ensured that a conducive environment for innovation, excellence is created and maintained. 

Issued by the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

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