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  • KZN COGTA MEC HLOMUKA WELCOMES IMPROVEMENT IN ETHEKWINI’S FINANCES DURING SURPRISE VISIT TO METRO

    KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Sipho Hlomuka has welcomed the recent improvements in the eThekwini Metro’s collection rates which now stand at pre-lockdown levels.

     

    The municipality was one of the most affected in the province as a result of the outbreak of Covid-19 in 2020 which saw a sharp decline in its revenue and cash flows.

     

    The municipality suffered a loss in revenue of about R3-billion and had an 88% collection rate during the 2019/2020 financial year. Most recently, the municipality’s overall revenue collection has improved to 95% which is at pre-lockdown levels.

     

    This morning, MEC Hlomuka together with Senior Management from the Department met with the Executive Committee of the municipality and its senior management from whom he received a comprehensive report on the metro’s current status. As part of the robust engagement areas were identified by Cogta officials that the City still needs to improve on.

     

    This engagement was preceded by an unannounced visit with eThekwini Mayor Cllr Kaunda to the Florence Mkhize frontline service delivery centre where the delegation inspected the level of services provided to residents. During this engagement, the MEC and Mayor interacted with residents who had come to make use of services rendered in this building.

     

    This visit forms part of the assessment that is being conducted by the department which is looking into billing and other complaints from consumers and ratepayers with the aim to identify root causes and ensure that the municipality is able to respond to its communities and apply the Batho Pele principles.

     

    Hlomuka and Kaunda also conducted a clean-up campaign earlier in the day when they visited Isipingo where they led efforts to clean the small town and to encourage residents to take care of their surroundings.

     

    Speaking during the clean-up campaign, Hlomuka encouraged residents to be part of the solution by not littering as litter clogs drains which then leads to localised flooding during heavy rains. The delegation also visited Zuzumqhele High School where it handed over 56 full set uniforms to deserving learners. Hlomuka and Kaunda also planted trees on the school property as part of efforts to encourage learners to take care of the environment.

  • KZN GOVERNMENT URGES CALM FOLLOWING ENGAGEMENTS WITH UGU PROTESTERS

    KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Sipho Hlomuka, together with KZN MEC for Social Development Nonhlanhla Khoza, have called for calm in the Ugu district where protesters barricaded roads, including the N2 during a violent public protest.
    From this morning, the two MECs met with protesters from uMzumbe, Ray Nkonyeni and Ezinqolweni residents, to engage and find peaceful ways to address public concerns over access to basic services. Since yesterday the district has seen violent protests, with residents barricading major routes, such as the N2 between Port Shepstone and Durban, the N2 between Port Shepstone and tje Eastern Cape and the R102 in Hibberdene.
    The MECs have condemned the violence which saw trucks being burned, public infrastructure damaged and shops looted. In the engagement with the protesters, the MECs called upon communities to desist from damaging public infrastructure and infringing on the rights of other residents who did not wish to protest.
    Emanating from the engagements with residents, a special team consisting of the aggrieved community members will now engage directly with the Provincial Government and the Ugu district family of municipalities regarding their needs. A second meeting will be convened on Tuesday where a way forward will be provided. In the meantime, the MECs will galvanise additional resources to address the challenges faced by these communities.

  • KZN COGTA MEC HLOMUKA TO EMBARK ON INTEGRATED SERVICE DELIVERY VISIT TO ETHEKWINI

    KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Sipho Hlomuka will be visiting the eThekwini metro where he will embark on an integrated service delivery programme aimed at monitoring the state of service delivery within the municipality.
    The visit will include an unannounced service delivery inspection at various frontline service delivery points within the city where the MEC, together with the Mayor Cllr Mxolisi Kaunda, will interact with ratepayers as they make use of facilities provided by the municipality.
    During the visit, Hlomuka will also visit Zuzumqhele High School in Ezimbokodweni where he will hand over school uniforms and plant trees. The MEC and Mayor will also, conduct a clean-up campaign near Isipingo to encourage residents to take care of the environment.
    The visit will culminate in the MEC’s meeting with the Executive Committee of the eThekwini metro where deliberations about matters pertaining to service delivery in the municipality will take place with the local decision-makers.
    Members of the media are invited to attend the visit, the details of which are :
    Date: Thursday, 25 March 2021
     *PART 1: SCHOOL UNIFORM HANDOVER*
    Venue: Zuzumqhele High School, Ezimbokodweni, Durban South
    Time: 07:15am
     *PART 2: CLEAN-UP CAMPAIGN*
    VENUE: Isipingo
    Time: 09:00am
     *PART 3: UNANNOUNCED VISIT TO FRONT LINE SERVICE DELIVERY POINT*
    Venue: To be announced on the day
    Time: 10:00am

  • KZN COGTA KEEPING AN EYE ON UGU DISTRICT WATER INTERVENTIONS

    The challenges faced by the Ugu district are well documented from Cogta’s own engagements with this municipality and considerable resources have been deployed to assist the municipality with its delivery of basic services to communities.

    Specifically, a Ministerial Task Team was established in December 2020 to coordinate these efforts. Based on the KZN Provincial Water Master Plan also compiled last year, the Ugu district has – with the support of the technical expert deployed by Cogta – prepared a Water and Sanitation Recovery Plan for the district which is already being implemented.

    The department has also invested significant resources into the District to deal with water challenges. R17 million was released last year to the Municipality as part of an accelerated water intervention. This money was allocated in the following manner;

    • R2.7 million: uMzimkhulu River salt water containment berm which will prevent the water supply from being contaminated with sea water.
    • R14 million: Upgrade of the uMtanvuna Raw Water Pump station electricity supply.
    • R1.3 Million: Emalangeni Water Supply Project. 

    These projects are in progress right now and are aimed at stabilising the water supply within this district. We understand the frustration of local communities and appeal for their patience while these matters are being addressed by the council. 

    The department continues to keep a keen eye on the District and the challenges that it faces. 

    Ends

  • KZN COGTA MEC PAYS TRIBUTE TO SLAIN INKOSI DURING EMOTIONAL VISIT TO FAMILY

    KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Sipho Hlomuka this morning paid tribute to Inkosi Mkhize of the Amambuzane Traditional Community who was murdered together with an aide, Nhlanhla Richard Dlomo, by unknown gunmen who opened fire on the Inkosi when he was driving into his home in Mpophomeni on Saturday, 13 March.

    During the visit, Hlomuka expressed his sadness at the ongoing scourge when leaders of traditional communities face unprecedented attacks by unknown forces hell-bent on compromising the important institution of traditional leadership.

    During his visit, Hlomuka was accompanied by the Mayor of uMngeni local municipality Cllr Sokhela, the Mayor of uMshwathi local municipality Cllr Zondi and MPL, Thulani Xulu who hailed the slain Inkosi as a strong proponent of development in the uMgungundlovu district who always fostered good relations with all spheres of government in the hope of seeing his community developed.

    In his address to the grieving family, Hlomuka assured them of the government’s commitment to getting to the bottom of recent killings that the province continues to experience. In the past three years, the province has witnessed 27 murders of Amakhosi, Izinduna and other personnel that served as aides to amakhosi.

    The Chairperson of the Provincial House of Traditional Leaders Inkosi Chiliza also visited the family of Inkosi Mkhize yesterday to pay his respects. During the visit, Inkosi Chiliza expressed his dismay at the murder of Inkosi Mkhize, who was a very young Inkosi.

    The department, together with the Provincial House, are continuing to engage with the law enforcement agencies on a comprehensive response to the challenges faced by the institution of traditional leadership.

  • KZN COGTA MEC HLOMUKA COMMEMORATES NATIONAL WATER WEEK

    KZN Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), under the leadership of MEC Sipho Hlomuka, is commemorating the National Water Week which started today. This important week-long event leads up to the World Water Day on 22 March and is dedicated to understanding how people value water and how it plays a role in their lives.
    This year’s National Water Week is observed under the theme “Valuing Water”. The province’s water supply remains low as a result of the water scarcity due to drought and uneven rainfall in most parts of KZN. For this reason, Hlomuka has called on residents across the province to continue to use water wisely.
    “As part of honouring the National Water Week when we reflect on the importance of water and how we utilise it, we plead with all residents in the province to continue to use water sparingly. Conserving water is important because it protects the environment. Conserving water means using our water supply wisely and being responsible. It will also protect our water resources for generations to come,” said Hlomuka.
    Hlomuka has also appealed to residents to ensure that children are educated about the importance of saving water. The National Water Week is an annual water campaign that aims to educate the public about their responsibility in water conservation initiatives, raising awareness around the need to protect and conserve water resources.
    The focus is also on taking action to tackle the global water crisis and achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6: Water and Sanitation for All by 2030. By adopting even one of the following water-saving tips at school, in the workplace or at home, you can help to preserve our planet:
    ·       Only flush the toilet when necessary.
    ·       Do not use a lot of water when bathing.
    ·   Use a container to minimise the waste of water before you shower.

  • KZN COGTA MEC HLOMUKA CONDEMNS ASSASSINATION OF INKOSI MKHIZE AND HIS AIDE IN MPOPHOMENI

    KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Sipho Hlomuka has condemned the murder of Inkosi Manqoba Fred Mkhize, 37, of the Amambuzane Traditional Council in the uMngeni local municipality.

    According to reports received by the department, Inkosi was gunned down yesterday, 13 March, by unknown gunmen who ambushed him and his aide when they were driving to Inkosi’s home in Mpophomeni.

    Hlomuka has condemned this senseless attack and called upon the law enforcement agencies to leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of the cowards who are responsible for this double tragedy.

    “We are saddened by the reports we have received of the passing of Inkosi Mkhize together with an aide he was travelling with. These deaths come at a time when the Zulu nation is mourning the passing of our beloved King, Goodwill Zwelithi kaBhekuzulu,” said Hlomuka.

    Hlomuka has sent condolences to the family of Inkosi Mkhize, the traditional community of Amambuzane and the uMgungundlovu Local House of Traditional Leaders where Inkosi played a meaningful role.

    The MEC has also called upon the Amambuzane community to desist from taking the law into their own hands but rather work with law enforcement agencies so that the culprits can be apprehended and face the full might of the law.

    Hlomuka has dispatched senior officials to the grieving family to provide support during this difficult time.

  • KZN COGTA MEC HLOMUKA WELCOMES HEFTY SENTENCES FOR CABLE THIEVES

    KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Sipho Hlomuka has noted and welcomed the landmark, precedent-setting judgement handed down by the High Court in Cape Town which has sentenced five copper thieves to a collective 1250 years in jail. The crimes they had committed between 2016 and 2018 include the theft of copper wires worth R1.8-million from Eskom and Telkom.

    Hlomuka believes that this judgement will serve as a strong deterrent to those who continue to pillage private and public infrastructure. “This landmark judgement sends a clear message that the stripping of public and private infrastructure will not be tolerated and that those who dare inflict this form of economic sabotage on our society will face the possibility of lengthy sentences as their actions are tantamount to treason and an act against the state,” said Hlomuka.

    Municipalities across the province continue to suffer millions of rand in damages every year as a result of cable theft, acts of sabotage and vandalism. Such behaviour also hampers the provision of regular service delivery to urban and rural communities.

    Hlomuka has appealed to communities across the province to work closely with their respective municipalities and the law enforcement agencies to report any suspicions they might have in connection with cable theft.

    “The fight against vandalism of public infrastructure is one that government cannot win on its own. We therefore appeal to our communities to play their part in safeguarding our essential infrastructure. Those who live near such infrastructure must take a stand and be vigilant by working with the police to bring perpetrators to account,” said Hlomuka

  • KZN COGTA MEC HLOMUKA CONCERNED ABOUT INCREASING DEATH TOLL DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER AS LIGHTNING STRIKE KILLS A SIX-YEAR-OLD IN MAPHUMULO

    KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Sipho Hlomuka has expressed his concern about the loss of life the province continues to witness as a result of the prevailing inclement weather conditions.

    In the latest incident, a six-year-old girl lost her life yesterday afternoon when she was struck by lightning while in the yard in her home in Madiba village in Ward 10 of the Maphumulo local municipality.

    Hlomuka has expressed his condolences to the Manqele family for their loss and directed disaster management teams to provide support to the grieving family.

    “The news we have received of yet another life lost as a result of inclement weather is devastating. We appeal to all communities to be vigilant as our province continues to experience rough weather conditions which pose a significant risk to human life,” said Hlomuka.

    The province has lost 11 lives since the heavy storms struck on 24 January. Two people are still missing since they were swept off the uThukela Bridge between Kranskop and Nkandla on 12 February.

    Search and rescue teams deployed a helicopter to assist with the search for Smakade Magwaza (62) and his grandson Lwandle Magwaza (8) who were swept away by the crocodile-infested uThukela River.

    KZN Cogta under the leadership of MEC Hlomuka continues to invest in additional disaster management capacity in municipalities so that they can better respond to natural disasters and weather-related incidents.

    Yesterday, Hlomuka visited the Ilembe district where he handed over a fully equipped fire and rescue vehicle to the rural municipality of Ndwedwe so that it can better manage such incidents and be able to assist other municipalities in the district.

  • KZN COGTA MEC HLOMUKA CONGRATULATES NEW MAYOR AND SPEAKER OF UMLALAZI MUNICIPALITY

    Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) MEC Sipho Hlomuka has congratulated the newly elected Mayor and Speaker of the uMlalazi Local Municipality.

    Yesterday, 23 February the Council of the Mlalazi Local Municipality convened and elected Cllr Thulani Dlamini as Mayor and Cllr Mthokozisi Edward Dlamini as the Speaker.

    The election of the Mayor comes following the tragic passing of Cllr Thelumoya Bazil Zulu who passed away in December.

    The election of the Speaker comes after the resignation of the previous Speaker.

    MEC Hlomuka has committed his department to working with the newly elected Mayor and the Council to ensure that residents of uMlalazi continue to receive services. “As a department, we are committed to the wellbeing of the municipality and its residents. It is our firm belief that the election of the Mayor and Speaker marks an important moment in the municipality. We look forward to working closely with the Council as it seeks to serve the people of Mlalazi under the leadership of Cllr T.D Dlamini” said Hlomuka.