UMhlathuze views Cogta decision as an ‘abuse of power’
CITY Mayor Xolani Ngwezi has described a Cogta decision to take uMhlathuze Municipality to court as an 'abuse of power' and an attempt to regain control of the municipality through the back door.
Ngwezi was responding to an announcement made by the KZN Provincial Executive Council (PEC) chaired by Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube on Monday.
According to the head of provincial government communications, Bongi Gwala, the PEC noted serious challenges besetting the City of uMhlathuze, resulting from the unilateral decision to reconfigure the size of its Executive Committee (Exco) last February - in full breach of the provision of sections 43, 46 and 53 of the Municipal Structures Act.
“To bring this matter to the attention of the municipal council, the Cogta [Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs] MEC advised the municipality in March last year to reverse this unilateral decision, but the municipality resisted the advice.
“The department has since approached a court for an order to set aside the unlawful resolution. The matter is set down for 14 June 2024,” said Gwala.
Ngwezi views this as a clear example of the 'rogue KZN government' and added that the spectacle orchestrated by the ANC-led Cabinet serves as nothing more than comic relief amid serious governance matters plaguing almost all of the ANC-controlled municipalities.
Exco reconfigured
“Last year February, uMhlathuze Municipality made a prudent decision following persistent absenteeism by ANC councillors from crucial council meetings, to amend the size of its Exco,” said Ngwezi.
“Exco cannot do its work or make decisions without the requisite quorum, and therefore the change was needed for the municipality to continue serving its residents.
“This decision, undertaken in full compliance with Constitutional provisions, sought to safeguard the interests of our community and uphold the principles of good governance.
“Now it is shocking that the ANC's
Cogta MEC, driven by political ambition, attempted to exert undue influence on our municipality by instructing us to change this lawful decision.
“It is laughable that, more than 15 months later, with the MEC's term nearing its end, urgent summons are issued only to be met with opposition from the city. The Cabinet's last-minute directive under Section 139(1) (a) of the Constitution serves as a feeble attempt to salvage a sinking ship,” he said.
Ngwezi added that rumours abound that legal advice has cast doubt on the MEC's chances of success, prompting this 'farcical directive' to be conveniently scheduled for resolution by the incoming MEC and Cabinet post-elections.
“We categorically denounce KZN Cogta's role as a mere extension of the ANC, employing underhanded tactics to discredit municipalities not under ANC control,” said Ngwezi.
“We laugh off the KZN Cabinet's decision to issue a compliant directive, reaffirming our commitment to defending our municipality's integrity and upholding the trust bestowed upon us by our residents. Despite relentless scrutiny, our municipality continues to shine,” he said.