Infighting stymies Enoch Mgijima service delivery

Anarchy is an apt way of describing the current state of affairs in the troubled Enoch Mgijima municipality. The Komani-based local authority, which is responsible for delivering services to a population of just under 250,000 residents, is a hotbed of turmoil.

It has been struggling to keep its head above water after municipal assets, including trucks, TLBs and cars, went under the hammer to service a R58m debt to Milowo Trading Enterprise.

The successful action against the municipality has since opened the door to other creditors who are desperate to recoup money owed to them.

But instead of getting its house in order and staving off similar action, Enoch Mgijima has been fighting internal battles.

The municipality had initially planned to take the Bhisho executive to court to fight its decision to invoke section 139 (1)(b) of the constitution. It has since decided against that move. However, its workers have been running amok.

Last week, Samwu members ejected new administrator Vuyo Mlokoti from office in direct defiance of the decision to place Enoch Mgijima under administration.

The chaos escalated on Friday when workers stormed a special council meeting where municipal manager Chris Magwangqana was asked to explain why he should not be suspended.

It is alleged he misled council and also failed to defend the municipal assets in court.

The Rep reported earlier in September that refuse was not collected in several areas in Komani due to trucks being held in relation to the Milowo Enterprise case. The situation is further exacerbated by Samwu downing tools last Thursday and Friday.

Eastern Cape AG Sithembele Pieters recently raised deep concerns over several municipalities, among them Enoch Mgijima. Earlier this year, unrest broke out in parts of the municipality as residents demanded action from Bhisho.

Much of the noise coming out of Enoch Mgijima is centred around who should be in control while very little is currently being said about how to turn around the sorry state of affairs in a municipality unable to service its debt, maintain its road infrastructure or deal with the frequent electricity outages which have drawn the ire of residents.

Instead of getting its house in order Enoch Mgijima has been fighting internal battles