The IFP has requested KZN COGTA MEC, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, to release the long awaited investigative report into R35 million irregular expenditure incurred at the former Ezinqoleni Municipality.
The investigation into the Ezinqoleni Municipality’s finances were first initiated in August 2017 from reports that Ray Nkonyeni Municipality (RNM) had lost R35 million to irregular expenditure through alleged acts of misconduct by senior managers during the merger of Ezinqoleni Municipality and the Hibiscus Coast Municipality.
It is alleged that just before the merger of the Ezinqoleni and Hibiscus Coast municipalities, a number of construction projects including the construction of a community hall, an access road and a sports field were approved and paid for, but they don’t exist.
It is of serious concern that months are passing by and we have not heard anything from MEC Dube-Ncube on the corruption report, nor have we heard of any action into these allegations.
The MEC has a duty to operate with the highest ethical standards, and with levels of transparency, accountability and good governance expected from a custodian of all municipalities in the province.
Without the disclosure of the full report, the MEC risks not just further damage to her leadership credibility, but what is she trying to hide? Action must be taken against officials who may have defrauded the municipality.
There can be no further delays in this matter. Even RNM councillors have raised their frustrations with the delays after COGTA officials did not show up to present the findings at the council meeting as previously promised.
This report must be released as it is in the interest of the public.
These delaying tactics prove once again that the ANC will stop at nothing to protect their cadres and top leaders who might be implicated in acts of corruption.
Issued by:
Princess Phumzile Buthelezi MPL
IFP KZN Provincial Spokesperson on COGTA
073 216 0918
