Transformation struggle not meant to compromise service delibery

THE transformation struggle SAMWU has led and fought for at uMhlathuze Municipality did not mean we wanted to compromise service delivery, transparency and accountability.

We have avoided raising issues about uMhlathuze in the media, but the article published in the Zululand Observer edition of Monday, 26 May compels us to respond.

The article seems to insinuate political interference and somehow depicts the Deputy Municipal Manager: Corporate Services (DMMCS) and the former Deputy Municipal Manager: Infrastructure and Technical Services as victims of alleged political interference.

Our understanding as the people who are directly involved and affected by developments within the municipality is contrary.

Incompetence, arrogance and underhanded dealings of senior managers at uMhlathuze are the source of all problems at the municipality. We have repeatedly, since 2009, raised issues internally and some of them are currently subject to a forensic investigation by the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs. The DMMCS must therefore not hide behind the allegation of political interference when she has to account for her conduct.

The issue she must answer is why she approved a sponsorship without Council approval? Why did she appoint a person without adhering to Council policy? Why did she flout the disciplinary procedure and dismiss people, yet she is a lawyer?

Why is she subjecting Council and public funds to unending wasteful expenditure through pathetic legal wrangles?

Why have the legal costs of the municipality gone up 300 times since her appointment?

Prior to 2009, the legal bill and expenditure of the municipality on legal matters never exceeded R500 000. Currently, this financial year alone, the expenditure bill on legal services is around R6-million and possibly increasing. This is way above the budgeted R3-million.

The question of suitability to a senior post cannot be raised by the DMMCS. It is well-known that she rose through the ranks of the municipality four times within the space of three years since she had been appointed.

This did not occur because of any special qualifications or unique skills that she had, but a clear political determination to transform the municipality.

We therefore welcome the prudent decision of Council to place her on precautionary suspension and investigate the matter accordingly.

We also welcome the progressive decision of Council to reinstate our members JS Thusi and DM Luthuli, whose case we have won five times in the six times we have faced the municipality.

Its continuation was nothing but a continued waste of ratepayers’ money. We assure the public that SAMWU is on its side as a watchdog for incompetence and unnecessary wasteful expenditure.

PC NXUMALO

SHOPSTEWARD – SAMWU