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KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Honorable Bongiwe Sithole-Moloi, has expressed deep concern regarding the unspent Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) as the municipal financial year draws to a close.

According to the April 2023 Division of Revenue Act (DORA) reports, an amount of over R1.17 billion that was allocated for the MIG remains unutilized across all municipalities in the province, despite the urgent need for essential services.

While it is expected that the unspent amount will decrease by the end of the month, the MEC is worried that additional funds might remain unutilized, which could further delay service delivery in municipalities.

To address the issue of under expenditure, MEC Sithole-Moloi called for a meeting with mayors, speakers, and administrators from all 34 municipalities in the province at the Pietermaritzburg City Hall on Tuesday.

During the engagement MEC Sithole-Moloi strongly urged municipalities to enhance their planning processes and reduce unspent funds in the upcoming financial year.

As the department responsible for supporting municipalities in preventing the discontinuation of funds and improving overall performance for timely service delivery, MEC Moloi has notified all affected municipalities of the need to engage in deliberations.

These discussions will identify the reasons for under expenditure, reassess implementation plans for the remaining grant balance, and ensure proper planning for the next financial year.

“As a department, we are fully committed to providing assistance and support to all municipalities through our MIG officials, who will actively engage with them to improve their planning processes. Despite the challenges that have contributed to this predicament, we remain optimistic that, with the necessary support, we can effectively address this issue and reduce under expenditure,” stated MEC Sithole-Moloi.

The department’s primary goal is to ensure that all municipalities fully utilize their allocated grants and adhere to the appropriate procedures for the expenditure of public funds. In line with this objective, it has been agreed that regular meetings will be held to monitor progress and facilitate communication between the department and municipalities.

MEC Sithole-Moloi is confident that by working collaboratively with municipalities, the issues surrounding under expenditure can be effectively addressed. The department remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering efficient and transparent financial management practices within local municipalities, ultimately ensuring the delivery of quality services to communities.

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In the spirit of Africa Day, which marks the 60th anniversary of the formation of the African Union, the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Bongiwe Sithole-Moloi, extends her heartfelt congratulations to Ubuhlebezwe Municipality on the official opening of its newly constructed offices.

The auspicious occasion, coinciding with Africa Day, signifies a momentous milestone in the municipality’s history.

MEC Sithole-Moloi inaugurated the state-of-the-art building, which represents a new chapter for Ubuhlebezwe Municipality. The new structure addresses the challenges of limited space, ensuring that all essential elements, including the council chamber, corporate services building, and treasury offices, are incorporated.

The MEC commends Ubuhlebezwe Municipality for their unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional services to the community, despite the constraints of limited space. She encourages the municipality to draw strength and inspiration from their newly refurbished offices.

The modern and well-equipped building will not only set the tone for future development in the municipality but also instill confidence in the department’s stakeholders.

MEC Sithole-Moloi expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “It is heart-warming that on this momentous 60th Anniversary of Afrika Day, we also inaugurate the new building for the people of Ubuhlebezwe. This remarkable achievement demonstrates the remarkable capabilities of us as African people. Despite operating from limited space over the years, this municipality has diligently provided essential services to its residents. With the new building in place, I have no doubt that their efforts will be amplified. The council chamber can now accommodate all councillors and guests in the visitors gallery.”

Furthermore, MEC Sithole-Moloi extends her sincere congratulations to Mayor Bathobile Ngubo for her courageous leadership in successfully completing this significant project. As a woman mayor, Mayor Ngubo serves as an inspiration to all, showcasing the vital role that women play in driving progress and development within our communities.

The new offices of Ubuhlebezwe Municipality in Ixopo represent a symbol of growth and progress for the entire community. MEC Sithole-Moloi pledges her full support to the municipality and encourages them to continue their dedicated efforts in delivering services of the highest standard to the people of Ubuhlebezwe.

ENDS

The Greyville Convention Centre in Durban was the place to be on Friday, May 19, 2023, as the Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) MEC Bongiwe Sithole-Moloi played host to an unforgettable inaugural gala dinner with Amakhosi. 

The event was a true celebration of tradition and culture, as esteemed guests and dignitaries gathered to honour and pay tribute to the rich heritage of our province.

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) MEC Bongiwe Sithole-Moloi hosted a gala dinner with Amakhosi at the Greyville Convention Centre in Durban on Friday, 19 May 2023.

Premier of KwaZulu-Natal Nomusa Dube-Ncube, Deputy Minister of Traditional Affairs Zolile Burns-Ncamashe, and Chairperson of the KZN Provincial House of Traditional and Khoi-SanLeaders Inkosi Sifiso Shinga delivered speeches at the occasion.

As part of the celebrations for Africa Month, the gala dinner honoured Amakhosi’s significant role as promoters of social cohesion and protectors of African traditions and cultures.

In her remarks, MEC Sithole-Moloi commended Amakhosi for accepting the invitation and attending the gala dinner, which allows the department to engage directly with the institution of traditional leadership. “As a department, we are committed to collaborating closely with Amakhosi to resolve issues related to the capacity and development of the traditional councils and the communities they serve. Sithole-Moloi stated that a substantial amount of resources have been devoted to the institution’s capacity building to date.

Deputy Minister Ncamashe also addressed the gathering, stating that there are numerous unresolved issues within the institution of traditional leadership, including the dearth of trade tools and the inability to manage Amakhosi events. “Upon my return to the province, we will discuss the role you should play as Amakhosi and the support you should receive when organising events,” he said.

Premier Dube-Ncube, delivering the keynote address, stated that the event was one of many that the KZN government has held to demonstrate that Ubukhosi is one of the most significant institutions that represent who we are as Africans. Dube-Ncube stated, “We rely on Amakhosi to develop and improve the lives of the people in our rural areas, while working closely with the government.” “It is essential for Amakhosi to return to holding significant events within their respective communities so that young people can be educated on the historical contexts and various facets of their cultures and traditions,” she added.

Inkosi Shinga, Chairperson of the Provincial House, hailed the gathering as an essential step in the department’s efforts to ensure that the institution of traditional leadership is held in the highest regard and receives the level of support befitting the status of amakhosi.

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MEC SITHOLE-MOLOI CALLS FOR PEACE AND POLITICAL TOLERANCE DURING BY-ELECTIONS IN THREE KWAZULU-NATAL MUNICIPALITIES

As the campaigns for the by-elections in three municipalities draw to a close, the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Honourable Bongiwe Sithole-Moloi, has called for political tolerance among leaders and voters.

The upcoming by-elections are scheduled to take place in Ward 73 of eThekwini Municipality, Ward 12 of Mandeni Municipality, and Ward 12 of Umzimkhulu Municipality. Over the past week, several political parties have been actively campaigning in these areas. In light of this, MEC Sithole-Moloi has stressed the significance of maintaining peaceful and respectful conduct by all parties involved.

“As we approach these by-elections, I urge all political leaders and supporters to conduct themselves in a manner that fosters tolerance and respect for the democratic process.

We encourage voters to participate actively by exercising their democratic right to vote,” she said.

The MEC also emphasised the importance of selecting councillors who will dedicate their efforts to enhancing service delivery and addressing community needs.

As the custodian of cooperative governance, MEC Sithole-Moloi called upon all registered voters in the aforementioned municipalities to engage in the by-elections and choose councillors who will prioritize the well-being of the people, striving towards the betterment of the community.

Furthermore, MEC Sithole-Moloi stressed that the democratic process must remain fair and transparent, and all parties and candidates should adhere to the electoral code of conduct.

“I urge all parties and candidates to uphold the electoral code of conduct and demonstrate respect for the integrity of the democratic process. Let us embrace the principles of democracy and work together to build a prosperous future for all,” concluded MEC Sithole-Moloi.

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Issued by: KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Department

MEC BONGIWE SITHOLE-MOLOI IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE ALTERCATION BETWEEN THE COMMUNITY OF CHARLESTOWN, IN NEWCASTLE AND MAYOR XOLANI DUBE THAT RESULTED IN THE INJURY OF TWO PUBLIC MEMBERS WHO WERE SHOT DURING COMMOTION

As the KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, we are very concerned about the unfortunate incident that took place in Charlestown just outside Newcastle on Tuesday, which resulted in the injury of two individuals during a public protest.

Our thoughts and well wishes go out to the injured parties, and we wish them a speedy recovery. Initial reports suggest that the public protest, initially intended to seek answers from the Newcastle Mayor, Xolani Dube, regarding the provision of water tankers, escalated into violence.

It is truly disheartening to see such incidents unfold within our communities. While it is vital for the public to voice their concerns and demand accountability from their elected officials, resorting to violence undermines the very essence of peaceful protest and jeopardizes the safety and well-being of all involved.

We acknowledge the urgency of the situation and understand the frustrations of the community of Charlestown. The issue of water scarcity is a matter that should be addressed promptly and efficiently by the Newcastle Municipality. We, therefore, urge the Newcastle Municipality to expedite the provision of water services to prevent further incidents where communities feel compelled to take matters into their own hands.

In light of this regrettable incident, the we’re calling upon the South African Police Service to conduct a thorough investigation into the events surrounding the altercations and the discharge of firearms. It is crucial to determine the circumstances under which the shots were fired and establish accountability for those responsible.

Furthermore, we wish to appeal to the public, to refrain from resorting to violence in their pursuit of service delivery.

As the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs we will continue to closely monitor the situation and remain committed to supporting the Newcastle Municipality in its efforts to expedite the provision of water services to the affected communities. We call for unity, patience, and collaboration during this challenging time, as we collectively work towards improving the lives and well-being of all residents.

ENDS

Issued by: Bongiwe Sithole-Moloi
MEC for KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) would like to warn municipalities of expected heavy rains that may cause flooding and infrastructural damage.

This alert comes following a notice from the South African Weather Service on Sunday, which forecasts heavy rains in various parts of the province from Monday 12 am until 11 pm

The heavy rainfall is expected to affect the following municipalities: Abaqulusi, Danhouser, Edumbe, Emadlangeni, Endumeni, eThekwini Metro, KwaDukuza, Mkhambathini, Ndwedwe, Newcastle, Nquthu, Umdoni, Umzumbe, and Ray Nkonyeni Municipality.

The rains may cause flooding and damages to mud houses, roads, low lying bridges and rivers while other areas may suffer infrastructural damages.

The department is urging communities and motorists to be extra cautious and to ensure they are in safe areas during this time.

Furthermore, all Disaster Management Centres and their teams have been activated in all municipalities to address any challenges that may arise.

Residents living in low-lying areas or those situated near rivers are encouraged to monitor water levels. In the event of an emergency, the public is advised to contact their nearest Disaster Management Center

To minimize the risk of damage to property and loss of life, the KZN COGTA advises the public to take necessary precautions. This includes securing loose objects, and avoiding crossing or driving through flooded areas. Motorists are also reminded to drive at reduced speed during heavy rainfalls and to maintain a safe following distance.

The department encourages the public to remain vigilant and to adhere to all safety measures to ensure that they remain safe during the expected heavy rains. By taking necessary precautions, the public can minimize the potential impact of the predicted heavy rainfall.

ENDS

As part of the efforts to strengthen the institution of traditional leadership, KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Cooperative governance and traditional affairs, Honourable Bongiwe-Sithole Moloi handed over cell phones to Amakhosi as makes commitments to attend to the matters limiting the functionality of traditional houses.

During a two-day meeting held in Durban that concluded on Friday, members of the KZN Provincial House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders presented several issues that they wish to be addressed by the MEC.

Led by Chairperson Inkosi Rupert Sifiso Shinga, members pointed out issues ranging from administrative, development of rural communities, landess chiefs, remuneration of the chiefs, back pay of Izinduna (headmen) and the payment of secretaries of the traditional courts among others.

In response, MEC Sithole-Moloi reassured members of the house that the department had already started paying Izinduna, and the process would continue until all the funds had been disbursed. She also noted the need to rehabilitate Traditional Administrative Centres that were destroyed by the floods accessing the province.

“The issue of support staff to the local houses will be attended to by following government laws that guide the employment of support staff set by the Department of Public Services and Administration. On issues related to land community projects and development, the department will liaise with sister departments to find ways to assist traditional leaders.”

MEC Sithole-Moloi also highlighted that the department has a capacity-building directorate and will consider the skills required by amakhosi to provide appropriate training. She emphised her vision is to move away from issues of support and instead address issues related to community development and intervention that can help their communities.

MEC Sithole-Moloi expressed her gratitude to the members of the house for raising these important issues and assured them that the department is committed to addressing them. She emphasized the need for continued collaboration between the department and traditional leaders to improve service delivery and promote the well-being of communities.

ENDS

The Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Department condemns the conduct of a mob that barricaded the entrance to the council sitting of the UThukela District, which was scheduled to sit on Friday.

The meeting was a result of the successful petition by the councillors within the council, who wrote to the MEC requesting her to convene a council sitting in terms of the powers given to her in Section 29(1A) of the Municipal Structures Act.

The actions of the mob, who were clad in IFP regalia, stopped the department from fulfilling its constitutional mandate, as officials were threatened, manhandled, and unlawfully prevented from accessing the venue in Ladysmith.

The department calls upon all political parties within the Uthukela District to distance themselves from the conduct of the mob, which has undermined the law of the country.

This conduct also sets a dangerous precedent in which mobs are used to undermine council processes.

The department is devoted to upholding the law and will not back down in the face of illegal activity by those who want to thwart council-led democratic processes.

The department also points out that some parties attempted to halt the proceedings, but the Pietermaritzburg High Court rejected these efforts, clearing the way for today’s sitting.

ENDS

The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Honourable Bongiwe Sithole-Moloi, has learned with shock and sadness of the attempted assassination of the Speaker of Mkhambathini Local Municipality, Councillor Thembalikho Gwala, and the subsequent killing of his bodyguard, Samkelo Chili.

According to reports, the incident occurred on Saturday, April 29, 2023, when Cllr Gwala and his bodyguards were driving back from a community meeting in KwaNjobokazi. The assailants shot at their car several times, resulting in the tragic death of Chili.

MEC Sithole-Moloi expresses her deepest condolences to the Chili family and calls for anyone who may have information to assist the South African Police Services to swiftly bring the perpetrators to book.

“It is deeply concerning that such incidents are still happening in our province, particularly so soon after the commemoration of Freedom Day. While the motive of the attack is not yet known, we are worried about the destabilising effect that such incidents can have on our municipalities. It is imperative that speakers of all councils be able to execute their duties without fear of interference or intimidation from outside. Speakers play a crucial role in the functioning of our local councils, and it is vital that they are able to carry out their duties without fear of violence or intimidation,” said MEC Sithole-Moloi.

She calls on law enforcement agencies to act swiftly in apprehending those responsible for this heinous act and bringing them to justice.

“This kind of violence has no place in our society, and we must do all that we can to prevent it. The safety of our councillors and their staff is of utmost importance, and we must work together to ensure that they can carry out their duties without fear for their lives.

“We stand in solidarity with the people of Mkhambathini and offer our condolences to the family and friends of Samkelo Chili. We will do all that we can to ensure that justice is served,” concluded MEC Sithole-Moloi.

The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs will be closely monitoring the situation and offering support to the Mkhambathini Local Municipality during this difficult time.

On that sad note, MEC Sithole-Moloi is deeply saddened to hear about the passing of MR Skhumbuzo Mntambo, who was the Community Development Worker deployed by the departmetn to ward 7 in Umzumbe Local Municipality under Ugu District. Cllr Mntambo was shot earlier this week. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. We condemn any form of violence and we hope that the perpetrator(s) will be brought to justice.”

Issued by: KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Department

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Ms. Bongiwe Sithole-Moloi, the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, presented the R2.4 billion budget for the department to the KZN Provincial Legislature in Pietermaritzburg on Thursday, April 20.

The Member of the Executive Committee (MEC) delivered her first Budget Policy Speech, in which she detailed the important priorities for the department in the 2023–24 fiscal year.

The initiation of payments of backpay for izinduna for the period covering 2013–2016, for which a total of over R600 million has been allotted, was one of the most important announcements that the MEC made during her address.

The department and the provincial government have been making significant efforts, and the payment of the backpay marks an important milestone in those efforts. Their goal is to restore the status and dignity of the institution of traditional leadership in our communities. “Izinduna are leaders within our communities, and under the custodianship of amakhosi, izinduna play a role of being a vital link between amakhosi and communities, and they contribute immensely towards social cohesion.”

In her address, the MEC also touched on a few other topics, including the continuation of preferential procurement in accordance with the legislation that is now in effect in the government, the enhancement of capacity within the department as well as within the realm of local government, and the establishment of traditional leadership.

As the department works to rid local governments of waste and corruption, one of its top priorities is to continue investing resources in order to assist improvements in the outcomes of municipal audits.

The department’s efforts to institutionalise the district development model continue to be a major priority, and particular focus is being paid to the design and execution of the concept of “one district, one plan.”

The department continues to be dedicated to the extension of fundamental services like electricity and water, and it is providing specialised technicians from inside the department to support municipalities in this endeavour.

“We are also committed to the revitalization of our small towns through deliberate and intentional investments aimed at growing the economy within secondary towns in line with the new model that we will pilot,” said MEC Sithole-Moloi. “We will be piloting this new model in the coming months.”

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