ANC warns against the weaponisation of governance in KwaZulu-Natal
ANC KZN PTT Co-ordinator Mike Mabuyakhulu says decisive action is needed to end instability in municipalities, tackle corruption, and rebuild public trust in local government through clean governance and accountability.
Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo Independent Newspapers
The ANC in KwaZulu-Natal has raised concerns over the perceived targeting of its municipalities by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta). The issue was highlighted during the alliance summit meeting held this past weekend.
The ANC emphasised that while accountability is essential, the application of the law must be consistent across all municipalities.
The summit focused on the state of local government. Party leader Mike Mabuyakhulu stated during a media briefing on Tuesday, “The delegates noted that there appears to be a very focused campaign to selectively target ANC-led municipalities when addressing allegations of maladministration or challenges in leadership, to the exclusion of municipalities led by ANC political competitors.”
Mabuyakhulu expressed that the posture of the KwaZulu-Natal Cogta is perceived as overtly partisan, with its executive authority leading the charge. He reaffirmed the party's commitment to clean governance at the local government level, stating that those found acting in contravention of the law should be dealt with decisively, irrespective of political affiliations.
“The summit further resolved that this selective and partisan approach in overseeing municipalities must be addressed as a matter of urgency,” he added.
Mabuyakhulu acknowledged that the MEC of Cogta and the department have a legal responsibility entrusted to them by law. He urged them to execute their authority without fear or favour, but also stressed the need for consistency in the application of the law.
“Our concern is not about the application of the law; it is about the inconsistency in its application. We insist that no ANC-led municipalities should be deliberately targeted, as this undermines the consistent application of the law. We have raised this issue and will continue to do so in the GPU (Government of Provincial Unity),” he concluded.
KZN Cogta was contacted but had not responded by the time of publication.