Administrative changes at uMkhanyakude
There is much speculation over the removal of Administrator Bamba Ndwandwe at uMkhanyakude District Municipality
FOUR months since uMkhanyakude District Municipality was placed under provincial administration, COGTA (Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs) has taken the decision to relieve Administrator Bamba Ndwandwe of his duties in the district and send him elsewhere.
Speculation is rife, linking the decision to Ndwandwe’s issuing of summonses in respect of questionable tender processes to numerous contractors, including COGTA MEC Nomusa Dube-Ncube’s husband, for a water pipe tender awarded to his company.
COGTA Spokesperson Lennox Mabaso, however, said it is merely an administrative decision.
‘We continually assess the province’s administrators and Bamba Ndwandwe has done a sterling job, and uMkhanyakude is beginning to stabilise.’
COGTA is yet to make an official announcement but Mabaso said Ndwandwe will be placed at another district municipality under which four local municipalities will be merging.
He said the mergers have to take place before elections and Ndwandwe is best suited to the job.
He also said Ndwandwe’s replacement is a highly experienced administrator.
Ndabezinhle Sibiya, Media Officer for the Office of the Premier, said he could not comment on Ndwandwe’s replacement nor the reasons thereof.
He did say, however, that the Provincial Executive Council (PEC) will be meeting with the provincial cabinet for the remainder of this week where numerous issues will be discussed.
These issues include the performance of all KZN municipalities, service delivery including water and housing shortages, good governance, and the outcome of the recent citizens satisfaction survey.
He said the Premier takes an integrated approach to municipalities’ smooth running and no municipality can be looked at individually.
Ndwandwe could not be reached for comment.
