The IFP has raised questions over the controversial appointment of a disreputable manager in the office of the Administrator in uThukela District Municipality.
We are concerned about the appointment of Mthokozisi “Qithi” Khumalo, an ANC member, as a manager in the office of the Administrator, Mzubanzi Silinga, in uThukela. Mr Khumalo has faced serious criminal accusations, including bribery, corruption and murder. In 2019, he was arrested in connection with the murder of IFP member, Joseph Mazibuko. According to our understanding, Mr Khumalo has not been acquitted on any of the charges he is facing.
If this is found to be true, the choice of an ANC member who is facing criminal charges raises serious concerns about the functioning of the office of the Administrator.
In the interests of achieving long-term stability in municipalities, it is important that only persons of integrity, with the necessary qualifications, are appointed to key positions. As the uThukela District Municipality is now governed by the IFP following the 2021 local government elections, there is now a clean-up effort underway. However, this clean-up process appears to be being undermined by the appointment of a manager who is tainted by serious accusations.
Further, we are concerned about the track record of the Administrator, Mzubanzi Silinga, a former Engcobo Municipality Administrator. According to reports in the public domain, he was named – along with other officials – in the 2019 forensic investigation report by Fundudzi Forensic Investigators. This report found that Silinga allegedly caused Engcobo Municipality to incur irregular expenditure amounting to R11.2 million in respect of six access roads that were never constructed.
The IFP, therefore, seeks an explanation from KZN COGTA MEC, Sipho Hlomuka, regarding the appointments of Mr Khumalo and Mr Silinga. The MEC needs to provide official documentation providing evidence that these men have been cleared of all charges against them. If not, he must rescind these appointments immediately. Nepotism, comradeship, and cronyism have no place in our municipalities.
—
Contact
Mr Blessed Gwala, MPL
IFP Chief Whip in the KZN Legislature
078 290 5842
