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The KZN department of Cooperative Affairs and Traditional Affairs has deployed 475 newly appointed graduates to the province’s municipalities in order to boost service delivery.

The graduates are part of the 24-month internship programme which is funded by the department.

Through this multi-award winning programme graduates gain valuable on the job training in fields such as financial management, engineering, town planning, finance, risk management, disaster management, legal services, spatial planning, waste management, supply chain, Information Technology and many others.

The municipalities gain valuable human capital which they can mentor in order to fill scarce skills and improve service delivery.

The latest intake follows the successful launch of the program in 2019 where 500 graduates were deployed to municipalities.

The department has received good reports on the first day of the graduates and looks forward to the positive impact that they will make in our municipalities.

The two biggest deployments were to Msunduzi that received 85 interns and Ethekwini 52.

Issued by the Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Department.

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We learned this morning of yet another tragedy that has befallen the Ugu District Municipality with the unexpected passing of the Mayor, Cllr Phumlile Mthiyane in the early hours of this morning.

Her passing has left us devastated and in disbelief. 

We lost a gentle giant in the sphere of local government, who took on the task of stabilising the supply of water for communities within the District, and within a very short period of time following her appointment as Mayor, we saw progress on key projects meant to improve water supply.

This bears testimony to her ability to bring people together in the pursuit of a common goal. 

We mourn the bridge builder, peace make and passionate activist who put the interests of the people of Ugu first.

We convey our condolences to the Mthiyane family and all the staff of the Ugu District and the family of municipalities under it.

The Holy Scriptures in Revelation 21:4 tell us that “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

*Issued by MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Sihle Zikalala.*

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This morning, we learned with shock and sadness of the passing of Dr. Eliiot Ntombela, who was the municipal manager of the Ugu District Municipality.

Dr. Ntombela’s passing this morning, following a short illness, leaves a gaping hole within the sphere of local government within our province.

As a dedicated servant, Ntombela went beyond the call of duty when fulfilling the tasks that were bestowed upon him as a result of his position.

We wish to express our condolences to the Ntombela family and the families of the municipalities under the district, who worked closely with Mpangazitha in bringing services to communities.

As we mourn his passing, we are certain that the work that he had started in the district will be a solid foundation for the ongoing work of stabilising the municipality.

We also wish to thank the Ntombela family for the sacrifices they’ve had to make while  Mpangazitha was serving the people of Ugu District.

Issued by MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Sihle Zikalala.

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The Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Department is concerned with media reports that attribute racist remarks to a Newcastle councillor. 

The department calls upon the Speaker of the Municipality to investigate these distressing allegations. 

Councillors are public representatives and should work towards creating social cohesion within their communities. 

Saying someone should not have been elected to a ward committee because of their skin color is distasteful and unfitting of a public representative. 

The sphere of local government is at the coal face of service delivery and therefore needs leaders who have empathy and a willingness to work with all people irrespective of race, culture, and creed. 

The Speaker of the municipality is duty-bound to investigate these alleged utterances by the councillor to see if they are in breach of the council’s code of conduct. 

The department also wishes to warn councillors about the seriousness of the oath they took when they were sworn in.

As a department we will continue to hold councillors to the highest standards. 

Issued by MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Sihle Zikalala.

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Mop-up operations continue following the heavy rains experienced by large parts of the province this week.

Proactive measures that were taken by disaster management teams ensured communities were fully aware of the actions they needed to take should they find themselves caught up in an incident.

We therefore wish to commend disaster management teams for their proactiveness in trying to deal with the heavy rains that have caused damage to several households and damaged roads and electricity infrastructure in a number of municipalities.

Houses were damaged in a number of Districts with the full extent of the damages still being assessed.

Disaster management teams are still trying to recover the body of the missing child that is believed to have been swept away in Msunduzi.

A house collapsed in uMsinga injuring occupants who are recovering in hospital.

The Provincial Disaster Management Center is also working closely with the Mzimkhulu Local Municipality to make sure that people stay away from flooded areas in the town.

Residents are also urged to continue to heed weather warnings whenever they are issued.

Issued by MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Sihle Zikalala.

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The Department  of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs urges communities to continue to heed the weather warning that has been issued for heavy rains that are expected to affect large parts of the province.

Disaster Management teams have responded to an incident in  Pietermaritzburg where an 8 year old child has drowned. Details of this incident are still being investigated.

The department wishes to convey condolences to the affected family.

The Department is urging all communities to ensure that they continue to take extreme  caution as these rains continue and ensure that children are kept safe and also educated about dangers of water.

The South African Weather Services (SAWS)  has downgraded the South- Western parts of the province to alert level 2 with the north also downgraded to level 4. 

The rain is continuing and there have been minor incidents that are reported and our disaster management teams are on the ground attending these incidents.

There are also reports on electricity faults and the Eskom teams are on the ground attending this as and when they are reported.

We are urging  everyone  to  avoid unnecessary travel and to stay away from the large bodies of water.

Issued by MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Sihle Zikalala.

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The Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs department has placed disaster management teams on high alert following the severe warning that was issued by the South African Weather Service which indicates that large parts of KZN can expect disruptive rainfall which brings the probability of widespread flooding across large parts of the province on Thursday and Friday 5-6 January.

The weather warning which has been placed on level 9 in terms of the scale of impact and likelihood could spell disaster for communities living in low lying areas.

The Provincial Disaster Management Center has activated the Joint Operations Committee (JOC), which will meet daily with all disaster management teams from municipalities to take stock of the situation.

These rains bring the possibility of localised flooding in low lying areas, susceptible settlements, roads, and bridges.

Residents of Ethekwini, Ilembe Umgungundlovu, King Cetshwayo, uMkhanyakude are urged to pay attention to the level 9 weather warning and take all the necessary precautions.

A level 5 weather warning for disruptive rain has  also been issued for the district’s of Uthukela, uMzinyathi, Zululand, Harry Gwala, Amajuba, Ugu and parts of Umgungundlovu.

Residents in the affected areas are requested to restrict unnecessary travelling as this might place them in danger.

Parents must be vigilant and guard children so that they do not swim in rivers or go near large bodies of water.

The province of KZN has not fully recovered from the floods that took place last year, residents are urged to heed these warnings and to not take unnecessary risks.

Safety tips:

– People living in low-lying areas must take special care during storms, as sudden floods might affect them.

– They should monitor the rising water levels and evacuate the areas to a safer place or higher spot when the water level rises.

– Do not cross through flooded roads or bridges – use other routes.

– Avoid crossing low-lying bridges, streams and rivers.

– Never try to walk, swim or drive in swift-flowing water. Even if the water is 15 cm deep, it can sweep you off your feet;

– Motorist must be very careful and avoid driving through flooded areas.

– Drive to and park at safer areas.

– The public must monitor weather alerts on radio and television.

– The public should contact their ward councillor or nearest municipal disaster management centres

– Do not try to drive over a low-water bridge if water is flowing strongly across it and the ground is not visible.

– Teach your children about the dangers of floods.

– Keep your important documents in a water-resistant container.

– Keep your cell phone in close proximity to you and have emergency numbers at hand.

– Be especially vigilant at night. It is harder to recognise potentially deadly road hazards.

– Do not camp or park your car along rivers or washes, especially during heavy rains or thunderstorms.

– If you are on foot, be aware that low moving water can also be dangerous during flood conditions. If you come upon moving water, do not walk into it.

– Where possible, communities are encouraged to try to avoid contact with any flood waters. The water may be contaminated with raw sewage, oil or other dangerous substances, and may also be charged with electricity from fallen powerlines.

Issued by MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Sihle Zikalala.

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Spending on security personnel comes under sharp focus

Enforcement of councillor code of conduct top priority for Speakers*

14 December 2022 

The Cooperative Government and Traditional Affairs Department convened the speaker’s forum yesterday, where direct engagements took place on high-level issues affecting the sphere of local government in the province. 

The forum, which meets every six months, is chaired by the MEC for Cogta and serves as a platform to robustly engage with speakers of municipalities on their key responsibilities and functions as outlined by the Municipal Structures and Systems Act.

In today’s meeting, several items were discussed with the aim of empowering speakers so that they can take better decisions in the management of the council affairs.

*Code of Conduct for Councillors*

 One of the things that we stressed during this engagement is the importance of speakers upholding the Code of Conduct for Councillors.

The position of Speaker requires one to be sober-minded and neutral so that they can deal with council matters in an impartial manner.

In our engagement with the Speakers, we expressed our concern about the inability of some of them to deal with council matters in line with the powers they have been given by the Code of Conduct, which is found in Schedule 7 of the Local Government Structures Act 117 of 1998. 

This code indicates that all councillors must perform their functions in good faith, honestly, and in a transparent manner. 

They are also expected at all times to act in the best interest of the municipality and in such a way that the credibility and integrity of the municipality are not compromised.

Our councillors are also expected to prioritise the needs of the people they represent.

It is within this context that, as a department, we have taken a zero-tolerance attitude towards illegal decisions that are taken by councils. 

Speakers are responsible for enforcing the code of conduct and protecting the council’s reputation.

The Speaker must also ensure that appropriate steps are taken against councillors who are in breach of the code. 

As a department, we will not shy away from requests for courts to impose cost orders in cases where councils take illegal decisions after having been warned by the department. 

*Status of Security for Councilors:*

One of the issues that came under discussion was the provision of security for councillors within our municipalities. 

This is a matter that is very sensitive and requires the utmost care, as it deals with the safety of public representatives and speaks to the allocation of public resources for this purpose. 

As a department, we are fully aware of the importance of this matter and the need for it to be handled with the utmost sensitivity and care. 

It within this context that we call for the provision of personal security to be implemented strictly in accordance with clause 14(1)(g) of the Government Gazette No. R2126 dated June 2, 2022, for the determination of upper limits of salaries, allowances, and benefits of different members of Council, which provides that: 

* Mayors and Speakers are entitled to two body guards (per shift)

* Deviation from the norm may only be based on the recommendations of the South African Police Service.

* Any other councillor, subject to a threat and risk analysis conducted by the South African Police Service

We are concerned with the situation that is currently developing within our municipalities, where some have a budget of R40 million for the provision of security. This is a matter that we continue to query with the relevant institutions, as we are of the view that security costs should not compromise service delivery.

Currently, 36 municipalities have provided councillors with security personnel without first obtaining SAPS threat and risk analysis reports.

As a matter of principle, that department encourages these municipalities to ensure that they get the SAPS threat and risk analysis reports for these councillors so that this expenditure can be regularized.

As a department, we have met several times with the SAPS in the province to discuss the slow pace of issuing threat and risk analysis.

One of the key issues raised by the police is severe capacity constraints for conducting these assessments. 

*Public Participation*

The meeting also received a presentation on the status of public participation within the province’s municipalities.

One of the key takeaways from this presentation was the lack of resource allocation for public participation purposes in municipalities. This, together with the lack of skilled personnel to manage this important program, poses a serious strain on our municipalities.

The functionality of ward committees also took centre stage, with a marked improvement noted for many municipalities in terms of the functionality of their respective ward committees.

*Indigent Policy Management*

Our municipalities are tasked with the work of approving the indigent policy. This is an important measure in the government’s efforts to protect poor households through the provision of free basic services and exemption from rates.

We are concerned that municipalities have not implemented their indigent policy properly, which jeopardises poor households who are deprived of this benefit.

*strengthening of oversight*

We wish to see our municipalities become hubs of good governance, community participation, and service delivery. A speaker in a municipality has an important role to play in the overall functioning of the municipality and the attainment of this goal. 

We wish to see our municipalities become more independent in a number of areas. 

As a sphere, local government is empowered to conduct its business independently, with the council being the highest decision making body within the municipality.

Our role of oversight of the sphere of local government is done in line with Section 154 of the Constitution, and where we have intervened in municipalities we have done so as a last resort through Section 139 of the Constitution. 

*Revenue Enhancement*

The finances of our cities and towns are still under a lot of pressure from many different directions.

This requires our municipalities to ensure that every cent that they spend is properly accounted for. 

Municipalities have to also implement measures to recoup funds from residents, businesses, and even government entities that are in arrears for municipal services. 

These are not easy decisions, as they can be unpopular, but municipalities have to take tough decisions if we are going to protect the financial viability of our municipalities. 

With this in mind, we want to see our municipalities pursue many options in order to generate new revenue. 

*Electricity Generation* 

Currently, new policies on electricity generation are that municipalities and any other business can generate 100 megawatts of electricity without any regulation. 

This is an area that our municipalities need to look into and seize, as it provides an opportunity to create employment opportunities and improve the security of the electricity supply for our municipalities, which will assist in attracting investment.  This is a space that we need our municipalities to occupy. 

*Issued by MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Sihle Zikalala.*

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Melmoth – uMthonjaneni Local Municipality: In line with our mandate of general oversight of the sphere of local government in our province, this afternoon we met with the Council of the uMthonjaneni Local Municipality, where we engaged them on several issues relating to governance, oversight, and the proper management of the municipality’s resources.

This was a meeting that is part of our efforts to strengthen governance within our municipalities and to also ensure that proper measures are in place to ensure that municipalities fulfil their mandate.

In the Mthonjaneni Municipality, one of the key issues that we raised during our engagement is the illegal decision that was taken by the EXCO of this municipality to suspend two councillors.

We have received correspondence from various parties on this matter and felt it fitting that we express our concern to the council about its brazenness in defending an illegal decision that the EXCO took in suspending the two councillors. Our view as a department, based on a careful reading of the law, is that EXCO does not have the power to suspend a councillor.

Local Government: Municipal Structures Amendment Act 3 of 2021, Section 16 (2) stipulates that:

(2) If the council or a special committee finds that a councillor has breached a provision of this code, the council may— (a) issue a formal warning to the councillor; (b) reprimand the councillor; (c) request the MEC for local government in the province to suspend the councillor for a certain period; (d) fine the councillor; or (e) request the MEC to remove the councillor from office.

As clearly stated in this extract from the Structures Amendment Act, this is a power that is only given to the MEC for Local Government. 

In our engagement with the municipality, we emphasised our call for the council to respect the rule of law.

When councils take illegal decisions that are challenged in court, this leaves municipalities vulnerable to cost orders, which could negatively impact the limited resources municipalities have.

We continue to work closely with all of our municipalities, and we applaud the Mthonjaneni Municipality for filling many of their important senior positions. This is a positive step that makes sure municipalities can provide services.

We are concerned, however, about the skyrocketing unauthorised, irregular, fruitless, and wasteful expenditure, which the council must strictly monitor through its relevant committees.

We also wish to see the cash coverage of the municipality improve to be within the norm which is 90 days.

Issued by MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Sihle Zikalala.

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The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs applauds the national government for moving quickly to make it illegal to trade in scrap metal.

This will stop criminal groups from destroying municipal infrastructure in our province, which has cost hundreds of millions of rand and hurt the economy.

With this decision, which was made public yesterday, November 30, by Trade, Industry, and Competition Minister Ebrahim Patel, criminal gangs that steal and pillage important infrastructure that provides services like electricity, water, and sanitation will be hit hard, as they will no longer have a market to trade the stolen electricity cables and other components.

The limit was put in place after the Cabinet approved a set of policies to limit and regulate waste trading and stop metal theft, which hurts the economy and public infrastructure.

These new initiatives show how committed the government is to stopping the theft of public infrastructure.

As a department, we continue to collaborate closely with the sphere of local government to ensure that the necessary safeguards are in place to protect the public infrastructure that is used by so many people on a daily basis.

The trade in stolen cables and metal places an unbearable burden on our municipalities, as they already have limited resources and are sometimes forced to sacrifice other service delivery priorities in order to replace stolen material.

We are sure that the government’s action will make it harder for organized crime groups to steal public property for profit.

Issued by MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Sihle Zikalala.

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