Category: News

KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Sipho Hlomuka has expressed his concern about the growth in consumer debt in the province’s municipalities. 

The latest audited figures released by the Cogta indicate that the province’s municipalities saw an increase in consumer debt of R3.47-billion betweeb the 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 financial years: the debt grew from R23.8-billion to R27.2-billion during this period, which represents a 14.45% increase.  

The increase, according to Hlomuka, is partly due to economic conditions that have deteriorated as a result of the outbreak of the novel coronavirus which has seen households and businesses across the province struggling to pay for municipal services. 

Hlomuka believes that the increase in the consumer debt in municipalities places them in a precarious position as they have to continue to provide essential services, such as waste removal, water, electricity and sanitation, in an environment of reduced revenue. 

“We are concerned about the increase in consumer debt and, as a department, we are rolling out measures that are aimed at assisting municipalities in the recovery of debt owed by their consumers,” said Hlomuka.

These measures include: 

• Supporting municipalities with the reduction in consumer debt through active citizen participation; 
• Indigent support in reconciling registers with Operation Sukuma Sakhe and debtor’s data at selected municipalities; 
• Reconciliation of municipal billing data with debtor’s data, indigent data and the valuation rolls; and 
• Focussed support on government debt through engagement and facilitation in resolving disputes towards payment across government departments and municipalities.

Hlomuka has also commended municipalities that are proactively dealing with consumer debt by providing debt relief to consumers by getting them to commit to a payment plan with the affected municipality then writing off the interest.

Cogta has further identified the following municipalities for support, specifically, in consumer debt relief during the 2021/2022 financial year:

• Newcastle, Jozini, Umdoni, Nkandla, Ubuhlebezwe, Alfred Duma, Endumeni, Abaqulusi, Umngeni and Mandeni.

This support will entail crafting a consumer debt recovery plan with the respective municipalities and support with the implementation and monitoring thereof.

 Issued by the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

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The Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC, Mr Sipho Hlomuka has assured business, labour and civic organisations about his department’s commitment to assisting municipalities to speed up the spatial planning and development processes required to rebuild the province’s small towns that have been decimated by the unrest that hit large parts of the province last week.

Yesterday, the MEC joined the Minister for Cogta Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma in a visit to the small towns of Bulwer and Donnybrook which are under the Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma Local Municipality in the Midlands.

As part of the visit, the Minister and the MEC together with the Mayor of the Harry Gwala District Cllr Nxumalo and the Mayor of the NDZ Local Municipality Cllr Mncwabe engaged with stakeholders such as the local businesses, civic organisations and labour on a common approach that will be taken in the rebuilding of the towns.

In the town of Bulwer, a hardware shop survived and is in the process of being converted into a grocery store.

In her address to stakeholders, the Minister for Cogta assured them of the government’s commitment to restoring peace in communities that were affected by the unrest and to support municipalities and all stakeholders in dealing with the impact of the unrest. “As we set out to rebuild our towns we have to reimagine how we can improve on what they were” added Minister Dlamini-Zuma.

In his address to the stakeholders, MEC Hlomuka urged the municipality to speed up the processes of approving building plans once they are submitted. “It is important that our municipalities work closely with business to ensure that plans are timeously approved as this is the only way we can get our towns rebuilt. We have assigned senior officials from our Municipal Planning division which will assist municipalities in the rebuilding process and ensuring that all building plans comply with the relevant legislation” said Hlomuka.

MEC Hlomuka will be visiting the small towns across the province to get a first-hand account of the extent of the damage and the rebuilding efforts.

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The Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC, Sipho Hlomuka has expressed his concern at the failure by the uMkhanyakude and eMadlangeni Councils to pass their respective budget as required by law.

According to section 25 of the Municipal Finance Management Act, municipalities have to approve their annual budget, including revenue–raising measures necessary to give effect to the budget by the 30th of June. 

According to section 25 of the Municipal Finance Management Act, municipalities have to approve their annual budget, including revenue–raising measures necessary to give effect to the budget by the 30th of June. 

The failure by the two councils threatens their ability to discharge their constitutional obligations of service delivery. 

The failure by the two councils threatens their ability to discharge their constitutional obligations of service delivery. 

The MEC has directed the Mayors of the two municipalities, which are already under Section 139(1)b intervention to explain the failure by the councils to approve the annual budget. 

 

The MEC will in line with section 26(1) of the MFMA, apprise the provincial executive of the appropriate measures to remedy the situation in terms of section 139(4) of the Constitution. 

MEC Hlomuka has emphasised that the department is committed to acting in the interest of the communities of eMadlangeni and uMkhanyakude who now face a serious risk of their municipalities unable to function.

According to the law withdrawals from the bank accounts of the two municipalities can only be done with the prior approval of the MEC for Finance.   

Issued by the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs 

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Years of fetching water from unreliable supplies such as rivers and springs is now a thing of the past for the rural villages of Tholakele and KwaMpunzi in ward 5 of the eDumbe Local Municipality. This follows the official handover of boreholes by MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Sipho Hlomuka who visited these villages of Friday, 25 June to inspect and handover the wind-powered boreholes.

This handover was a culmination of efforts by the department to provide a sustainable supply of water to the residents of the two villages. 

During the handover MEC Hlomuka encouraged residents to protect these boreholes from vandals and those who might seek to steal critical equipment operating the borehole. 

“We appeal to you as residents to be responsible for these boreholes. They are for your service and we appeal to you that you ensure that children do not fiddle with the mechanisms of this equipment. You also have a responsibility to ensure that you safeguard this source of water from criminals” said Hlomuka.

As part of this visit, MEC Hlomuka also handed over lightning conductors which were installed at strategic points with the communities of KwaMpunzi and Tholakele. 

These two villages have suffered immense harm as a result of lightning strikes which has cost human lives and livestock. 

The installation of the lightning conductors provides safety for villagers and their homes. 

One of the beneficiaries of these programme is 75 year old Samuel Dlongwane who household had been severely affected by lightning strikes in the area. 

“I am happy today that the government has installed lightning conductors in our area. We will now be able to feel safe whenever the weather conditions change” said Dlongwane. 

In this visit MEC Hlomuka was joined by the Mayor of the eDumbe Local Municipality Cllr Kunene, the Mayor of Uphongolo Local Municipality Cllr Mhlongo and Traditional Leaders.

The department of Cogta under the leadership of MEC Hlomuka continues to support government efforts to speed up access to water for rural communities.

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The former President of our Country Nelson Mandela is quoted as saying “It always seems impossible until is done” there are no words that can perfectly capture what the youth of 1976 faced in their stand against an unjust murderous regime.

The task that laid ahead of them when they said “enough is enough” would have been too daunting for any generation to face but with a determined spirit they took that valiant stand and paid the ultimate price, in what is now known as the 1976 uprising where hundreds of young people lost their lives and some were injured and suffered life altering injuries.

This year our country commemorates 45 years since that fateful day when these events occurred.

As we look back into our history we cannot but stand in awe at the bravery that was displayed by the young men and women who took a stand, that caused the whole world to take up and note the human rights abuses that were happening in our country at the hands of the apartheid government.

The bravery shown by that generation is something that the youth of today can learn from.

They were faced with insurmountable odds and used their voice and their feet to take a stand against an institution that had degraded them and their parents.

In the midst of all of this they were able to take a stand that would turn the history of our country.

The famed French author Franz Fanon once saud “Each generation must, out of relative obscurity, discover its mission, fulfill it, or betray it”.

We can never doubt the generation of 1976 as they became the building blocks for the youth of today.

Their exploits show all of us what is possible when young people stand together in the pursuit of justice.

The youth of today, face the triple challenges that plague our country which are unemployment, inequality and poverty.

The challenges which are in part as a result our countries legacy, require all our young people to band together and to fully exploit every avenue available for them to take themselves and their families forward.

These triple challenges faced by our country have been exacerbated by the outbreak of the Novel Coronavirus, which has caused a severe economic fall-out.a

Thomas Paine, who is well known as one of the Founding Father of the United States is quoted saying “The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph”.  

I find these words to be apt for the challenges that our youth and country are faced with.

While our government continues to utlise utilise youth month to galvanise and focus energy towards youth empowerment and development. It is the responsibility of every young person to be enquisitive and enquire about what opportunities there are for young people.

The fourth industrial revolution is here and requires our young people to be at the centre of the latest trends that are taking the world by storm and bring with them ample opportunities.

It is for this reason that the department of Cogta, which I lead continues to invest in bursaries for young people, and youth empowerment programmes such as the EPWP Programme through which we have recruited 11 000 young people. Who are able to receive training and provide for their families. Similarly we have recruited 500 young people to be interns within our municipalities for a period of two years. These young people come from disciplines such as town planning, engineering, finance and many others which are regarded as scarce skills within local government.

The investment in these young people is yet another indication of our government’s commitment to our young people.

We also continue to provide ample opportunities for employment to young people within the departments own recruitment processes.

While these efforts might a drop in the ocean we strongly believe that this governments commitment to empowering the youth will never waver.

The provincial government’s commitment to procure goods and services from businesses owned by young people, as articulated by the Premier Hon Sihle Zikalala is evidence of the commitment we have to our young people.

To turn our situation around required commitment not only from government  but from all sectors of our society. The Business men and women have a vital role to play in ensuring that our young people getting opportunities to improve their level of skills.

As we commemorate youth month, let us all recommit ourselves to the struggle of young people. Their empowerment is our empowerment. On them rests the future of our great country, on them rests the hopes for a better South Africa.

I thank you. 

The Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs department has noted with concern a statement which was released by Ubumbano lweziNduna, which makes false allegations and defames it’s officials.

This move by this body which claims to be representing Izinduna within the province is viewed in a dim light by the department.

The institution of traditional leadership is an important pillar that promotes wellbeing within our communities. It is the glue that holds our communities together.

The false allegations that have been made by Ubumbano against senior officials of the department including it’s Head of Department Mr Tando Tubane, the Deputy Director General for Traditional Affairs Mr Sikhumbuzo Gumede and the Chief Director for Traditional Institution Support Ms Princess Mtshali are mischievous and lack substance. 

The department has an open door policy and welcomes engagement with any member of our society. It does not wish to engage any particular stakeholder through the media.

The department will also continue to promote and foster good relations with the Institution of traditional leadership through the Provincial House of Traditional Leaders, which is a formally recognized structure which fully represents Amakhosi on any matter that affects the institution of traditional leadership within our province.

The department will not succumb to black mail attempts on its officials by groups such as Ubumbano lweziNduna.

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In line with his commitment to “make local government work better for communities” as pronounced in his Budget Policy Speech, Cogta MEC Sipho Hlomuka visited the uMngeni Local Municipality where he officially handed over infrastructure projects such as halls and roads. 

This visit which took place on Thursday, 10 June, marked an important moment in the efforts made by the uMngeni Local Municipality to provide services to communities. 

In the visit, MEC Hlomuka was joined by the Mayor of uMngeni Cllr Sizwe Sokhela, who led a delegation comprising of members of the Executive Committee. 

Speaking during the handover of the Khanya Village Community Hall, which cost R8 million, MEC Hlomuka called upon the community to protect infrastructure which has been built by the municipality. “We are appealing for all of you as residents to use this community hall and ensure that it is never vandalised. This community hall enables the government to brings services closer such as mobile clinic and other services” said Hlomuka. 

The MEC also opened the R8 million Mpophomeni Multi-purpose centre, in ward 11, which will provide opportunities for travelling Clinics, Medical Dr practice, Pension pay-outs, workshop, meetings and functions, which benefits the community. 

The R4 million Ekuthuleni in ward 10, provides easy access to households who no longer have to deal with gravel roads. 

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Disaster Management teams across the province of KZN are continuing to closely monitor the inclement weather conditions that have brought snow in areas along the Drakensberg and heavy rains in the northern parts of the province. 

Since Monday Disaster Management teams have responded to incidents in Nquthu where five houses collapsed as a result of the heavy snow that struck the area. Specialised graders had to be used to clear snow blocked roads in between Underberg and Kokstad. 

This morning the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Sipho Hlomuka together with the MEC for Public works and Human Settlements Jomo Sibiya visited the Abaqulusi Local Municipality where they officially launched the winter season disaster awareness campaign as the province continues to grapple with inclement weather conditions. 

The launch took place in the rural village of eZibomvini, where MEC’s oversaw the installation of lightning conductors that will protect households within this village. The MEC’s also handed over a newly built borehole to the community.    

Disaster Management teams on high alert

The MEC for Cogta MEC Hlomuka has assured residents of the province that disaster management teams continue to be on high alert in anticipation of heavy rains that are expected in areas along the coast of the province today. 

According to the latest advisory received by the department from the South African Weather Service, heavy rains can be expected in the Ugu, Ilembe, Ethekwini, Umgungundlovu, King Cetshwayo and the Harry Gwala District. 

According to the Weather Service “The impact of the Disruptive rainfall is expected to result in flooding of roads and settlements (Formal and informal), Danger to life (fast-flowing streams/deep waters), Major Disruption of traffic flow due to major roads being flooded (N2) and possible damage to roads and bridges, and Disruption to essential services (Water, electricity, communication, schools, etc)”.

MEC Hlomuka has warned residents and motorists residing in these areas to exercise extreme caution.

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The Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Sipho Hlomuka has directed the Speaker of the Inkosi Langalibalele Local Municipality to investigate the allegations of assault that have been levelled again a councillor. 

The MEC has expressed his concern at the allegations that two female councillors were assaulted by one of the councillors during a council sitting on Monday. 

In line with the Councillors Code of Conduct, MEC Hlomuka has directed the Speaker of the Municipality to investigate this matter and provide him with a comprehensive report on this matter. 

The MEC has also urged Councillors to be wary of the responsibility they carry as leaders within our communities.

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KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) today announced before the councillors of the Nquthu local municipality the Provincial Government’s decision to place this municipality under administration in terms of Section 139(1)b of the Constitution.

MEC Hlomuka met with the councillors today, in the parking area of the municipality following the actions by some certain councillors who locked the chamber which was booked to be the venue for the meeting. 

The actions of these rogue elements within the council did not deter the MEC, who convened the meeting which was attended by ANC, DA and NFP councillors.

Speaking to the Councillors MEC Hlomuka said “This decision is the culmination of Cogta’s previous efforts to address unresolved issues at Nquthu whose leadership and management have failed to ensure political and administrative stability for a long time which is now adversely affecting the operations of the municipality,”.

The main reason behind the intervention is the failure of governance on the part of the Nquthu council, including several irregular appointments of senior officials with financial consequences for the municipality and the failure to adequately ensure that the control environment is improved in order to prevent maladministration.

“Our disagreements with this council date back to 2017 when Nquthu irregularly appointed its Municipal Manager, Chief Financial Officer and Director: Planning and Development. These appointments were challenged in court where the municipality lost. Not only were these appointments irregular, they also resulted in irregular expenditure,” said Hlomuka.

Similarly, the Nquthu council has in other instances failed to take reasonable steps to prevent unauthorised and irregular expenditure. It has also failed to investigate such expenditure and hold management or any person accountable for causing such expenditure. Despite Cogta’s efforts, the municipality has been intransigent and uncooperative. 

“In practice, this measure means that are intervening at Nquthu with the assistance of a ministerial representative who will prepare and implement a recovery plan aimed at resolving the many challenges facing this municipality and laying the foundations for a fresh start once this intervention is called off,” said Hlomuka.

The intervention at Nquthu is a measure of last resort after all previous attempts by the Provincial Government to assist this municipality failed to yield the desired results. The Nquthu council’s cooperation with the intervention is in the best interest of the municipality’s residents who deserve proper service delivery.

HARASSMENT OF COUNCILLORS BY PRIVATE SECURITY

In his address to the councillors MEC Hlomuka announced that the department will be investigation the circumstances under which Councillors were harassed and thrown out of a council meeting, which took place last week.

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