MK Party decries ‘dire state’ of governance in KwaZulu-Natal

UMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party says the suspension of KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) officials represents a glaring failure of the African National Congress (ANC)-led government.

Five officials including the chief financial officer and the director for supply chain were suspended for alleged financial misconduct ahead of the 29 May elections.

MK PARTY SAYS KWAZULU-NATAL RESIDENTS DESERVE BETTER

The Jacob Zuma-led party said while it firmly believes that the people of KwaZulu-Natal deserve a government that prioritises accountability, transparency and the well-being of its citizens.

Spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela said the era of empty promises and superficial actions has come to an end.

“The ANC has unequivocally proven that it cannot be trusted to lead KwaZulu-Natal or any other part of the country. It is time for genuine change, for leaders who are committed to serving the people rather than their own interests,” he said.

Regarding the suspension of the Cogta officials, Ndhlela said the alleged financial misconduct is merely another episode in a long history of corruption, mismanagement, and a lack of oversight.

He further criticised the former ruling party saying it has consistently demonstrated that it cannot govern effectively, especially in critical departments like Cogta.

“The ANC’s failure to manage Cogta has left municipalities in financial ruin, traditional leaders neglected, and basic service delivery unattainable for many communities in the province,” Ndhlela added.

COGTA DG ARRESTED FOR TENDER FRAUD

In 2022, director-general in the office of the premier in KwaZulu-Natal Nonhlanhla Mkhize and her co-accused were arrested for tender fraud amounting to R37 million. The group was accused of intimidation and defeating the ends of justice.

The director-general is also facing charges in relation to an investigation by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks) into millions that were lost through irregular tender rewards. It is also alleged that she interfered with corruption investigations in connection with the uMhlathuze water procurement project in 2018.

DO YOU AGREE WITH THE MK PARTY’S SENTIMENTS ABOUT GOVERNANCE IN KWAZULU-NATAL?

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