KZN councillors accept job losses

Lennox Mabaso

Lennox Mabaso

Published Sep 4, 2014

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Durban - The Mooi Mpofana councillors who were out of a job on Wednesday when the council was dissolved have taken the development in their stride – with some agreeing it was in the best interests of the municipality.

Five of the seven councillors are ANC members.

One, Zweli Dladla, said the situation at council was untenable, and that he accepted the decision to dissolve council. The administrative tasks are still the responsibility of municipal staff.

Another ex-councillor, Justice Shabalala, said he had no idea when by-elections would be held.

“On the 16th of this month we will be officially told about our dismissal. I accept the decision because the majority rules,” he said. “I was not born to be a councillor for life. There are other opportunities out there, and I will also find time to help my organisation grow.”

Ntombi (Janet) Mpangase-Mchunu, the sacked mayor, confirmed that there had been infighting about the mayoral position.

“Things were not working well because of this position. Those involved in the squabble for this post included former mayors and deputies, and councillors were also involved. It was tough because those who wanted this post incited the community to riot,” she said. “I think this is the best thing for the sake of service provision.”

The spokesman for the KZN Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), Lennox Mabaso, said they estimated by-elections would be held in four months.

The DA welcomed the dissolution of the council. MPL George Mari said Cogta MEC Nomusa Dube-Ncube should have acted sooner.

“It is disappointing that municipalities are being run into the ground and then taking years to be turned around.”

Daily News

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