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IOL News
6 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
uMkhanyakude Municipality disputes Cogta's court ruling interpretation
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Cogta Thulasizwe Buthelezi Image: Supplied The uMkhanyakude District Municipality has accused KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi of misleading the public about a recent Pietermaritzburg High Court ruling. The municipality asserts that the judgement did not confirm the provincial intervention into the municipality. This follows a media statement issued by MEC Buthelezi on Saturday, stating that the court had upheld the decision to place the municipality under administration in terms of Section 139(1)(b) of the Constitution. In a statement issued the following day, the municipality said, 'The court has reserved its judgment on the matter regarding MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi's decision to place uMkhanyakude District Municipality under administration, meaning that no final decision has been made.' MEC Buthelezi welcomed the ruling, describing it as a victory for the rule of law. 'This judgment reaffirms the authority of Mr Bamba Ndwandwe as the Administrator,' he said. He further urged the Mayor to ensure the gates of the municipality were opened so that the Administrator could assume his duties and restore normal operations. However, uMkhanyakude officials dismissed this interpretation, stating that the court's order dealt specifically with an application by the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) to compel the payment of salaries. 'That matter talks to employees' salaries only, not the intervention,' said Municipal Speaker Solomon Mkhombo. According to the municipality, the court instructed the Municipal Manager, together with Cogta to process the July salaries but made no final ruling on the legality of the provincial government's intervention. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Mkhombo stated that the municipality's legal team argued the intervention was politically motivated and constitutionally flawed. 'Cogta is using Section 139(1)(b)... for political reasons, known by MEC Buthelezi,' he said, adding that the department's legal representative admitted in court that not all due processes were followed before initiating the intervention. The municipality also criticised the freezing of its bank account by Cogta and its financial institution, calling it 'illegal' and praising the court for siding with employees in ensuring payment of salaries. 'The High Court reserved its judgment and Mr. Bamba Ndwandwe, the imposed administrator, is not the Administrator; hence the matter is still in court,' said Mkhombo. THE MERCURY
IOL News
25-04-2025
- Business
- IOL News
KZN government tables R1. 9 billion budget aimed at revitalising local governance and driving economic growth
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, tabled the R1.9 billion Vote 11 Budget Policy Speech for the 2025/26 financial year. Image: KZN Cogta The Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) MEC, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has unveiled a transformative R1.9 billion budget for the 2025/26 financial year, crucially focusing on strengthening local governance, supporting traditional leadership, and stimulating economic activity throughout KwaZulu-Natal. MEC Buthelezi underscored the provincial government's commitment to revitalising local governments, stating emphatically, "We are reviving the Back-to-Basics programme as central to local government within our province." This declaration serves as a pivotal reminder of the administration's aim to ensure effective service delivery and responsive governance at the municipal level. A notable feature of this budget is the allocation of R397.5 million to Programme 2: Local Government. This significant funding is set to empower municipalities across the province, equipping them with the necessary resources to enhance their operational capacity and effectively address the challenges faced by local entities, all while building on previous achievements. As part of a strategic approach to economic development, MEC Buthelezi also unveiled an ambitious initiative comprising 11 catalytic projects aimed at stimulating economic activity within each district and the metropolitan area. These projects, orchestrated by the Provincial Project Management Unit (PPMU), are designed to generate growth and development tailored to the unique characteristics of their respective regions. Among the key projects earmarked for implementation in the current fiscal year are: Ulundi Electrification Upgrade Project : An allocation of R56 million will fund the refurbishment of two electricity network switching stations, alongside the Babanango electrification project, directly benefiting 105 households. : An allocation of R56 million will fund the refurbishment of two electricity network switching stations, alongside the Babanango electrification project, directly benefiting 105 households. Nkandla Electrification Project : With R15 million earmarked, this project will provide electricity for the first time to communities within the Nkandla Local Municipality across Wards 4, 11, and 6, impacting 100 households. : With R15 million earmarked, this project will provide electricity for the first time to communities within the Nkandla Local Municipality across Wards 4, 11, and 6, impacting 100 households. AbaQulusi Electrification Projects : A total investment of R42 million will be directed towards two key projects: R26 million for the Mabhula project in Ward 4, benefiting 260 households, and R16 million for the Madanyini project in Ward 2, aiding 150 households. : A total investment of R42 million will be directed towards two key projects: R26 million for the Mabhula project in Ward 4, benefiting 260 households, and R16 million for the Madanyini project in Ward 2, aiding 150 households. Endumeni Infrastructure Upgrade: An investment of R3.7 million will facilitate the installation of two solar high mast lights and a borehole at Wasbank in Ward 7, significantly enhancing essential community services. In addition to these catalytic projects, the Department has earmarked R377.9 million for Programme 3: Development and Planning. This funding aims to foster sustainable growth by focusing on regional development and spatial integration, ultimately unlocking the potential of KwaZulu-Natal. The KZN COGTA's 2025/26 budget reflects a robust commitment to fortifying local governance, empowering communities, and spearheading sustainable economic development across the province. Through strategic investments in vital projects and programs, the department aspires to cultivate a more resilient and prosperous KwaZulu-Natal for all its citizens. IOL
