IN an attempt to fight corruption, the Democratic Alliance Zululand has written to the Mayor of Pongola Municipality, Cllr Mashiya Hadebe, informing him of a planned protest march demanding the removal of Cllr Luke Nxumalo.
DA Zululand and KZN Member of Parliament Hlanganani Gumbi said his party was disturbed by the conduct of Mayor Hadebe, who he said was protecting ANC Cllr Nxumalo of Ward 11.
‘Cllr Nxumalo was found guilty of stealing municipal resources in April this year and was sentenced to four years imprisonment or a fine of R20 000.
‘Since then Mayor Hadebe has turned a blind eye to this disgraceful criminality.
‘The people of Pongola are severely affected by the lack of clean drinking water, electricity and jobs, yet the very councillor elected to serve the people is stealing from them.’
Gumbi claimed Mayor Hadebe and his party have taken no action to correct this.
‘This is the culture of the ANC today, criminality and then blind eyes being turned. As the DA we believe that everyone must be equal before the law.
‘We will not allow councillors to steal from people and deny them opportunities.
‘The community of Pongola are yet to taste the fruit of freedom as they are still battling with the lack of basic delivery on a day to day basis.
‘We therefore request the mayor to come clean to the people or the community will have no option but to mobilise and proceed with a planned march to you, demanding the removal of Cllr Nxumalo,’ said Gumbi.
Hadebe said he was aware of the letter submitted by the DA Councillor JC Theron, requesting the march by DA members regarding the removal of Ward 11 Cllr ZL Nxumalo.
‘My office did respond to the letter submitted by Cllr JC Theron within 48 hours as prescribed in the letter.
‘On 18 September 2015, Cllr JC Theron received a Notice Under Regulation of Gatherings Act Form, which they were expected to fill and return it back for the Section 4 meeting which was scheduled for 23 September 2015.
‘The concern raised by the DA through Mr Gumbi were to be addressed in that Section 4 meeting which did not take place due to the unavailability of police.
‘We are ready to address their grievances anyway.’
