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Mike Sutcliffe charged with turning around Msunduzi municipality

Mike Sutcliffe charged with turning around Msunduzi municipality

The Herald9 hours ago
Mzila said Sutcliffe had successfully completed a major service delivery turnaround in eThekwini municipality over the past 12 months.
'His immediate task is the implementation of a turnaround plan with a specific and urgent focus on restoring service delivery, strengthening good governance, restoring investor confidence and ensuring sound financial management.
'In his address to the council, the MEC emphasised the collective responsibility of all councillors to support Dr Sutcliffe in his critical role. He underscored the support is essential to benefit the broader Msunduzi community and all ratepayers. The MEC also called on councillors to uphold the highest standards of transparency and accountability to the residents they serve.'
He said the executive committee supported Sutcliffe.
'All exco members welcomed Dr Sutcliffe's appointment, expressing full support for what they view as a timely and necessary intervention. They believe the move will significantly strengthen the municipality's ability to tackle its challenges.
'The MEC was accompanied on the visit by the acting head of department, Dr Krishnan. The appointment underscores the department's commitment to ensuring the Msunduzi municipality is placed on a sustainable path to recovery and effective service delivery.'
Sutcliffe resigned as eThekwini municipal manager 13 years ago. During his term he faced criticism for renaming streets, wasting funds on statues that never saw the light of day and for his handling of tender processes.
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As we mark Women's Month, we must recognise that corruption is not gender-neutral; it disproportionately harms women and girls, particularly in marginalised communities. When public funds are siphoned off or mismanaged, it is often women who bear the brunt of failing services. Mothers are unable to get their children to school because roads are impassable. Caregivers struggle without access to clean water or functioning clinics. Young women's futures are compromised when textbooks are dumped in rivers while contractors are still paid in full. These failures not only deepen poverty but also entrench gender inequality, denying women and girls the opportunities and resources they need to thrive. An anti-corruption agenda informed by First's activist research would make it clear that integrity in governance is not an abstract ideal but a prerequisite for women's empowerment and the fulfilment of their rights. 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