DURBAN - The EFF allegedly handed Zululand District Municipality mayor Thulasizwe Buthelezi a lifeline after the party blocked a vote of no confidence on Tuesday.
On Monday, the Daily News reported that the daggers were drawn for Buthelezi, who was facing a motion of no confidence after less than five months in office.
In a statement, Zululand community leader Lindokuhle Xulu said: “We take this opportunity to express our appreciation to the people of this country who are sending us messages of support as we edge towards the creation of a municipality free of a “corruption perpetrator,” Cllr Thulasizwe Buthelezi.”
Xulu said that while they received overwhelming support from EFF leaders and their supporters in the province and the district, they were unfortunately shocked by the conduct of national leadership.
“This morning (Tuesday), we were informed by someone at the EFF head office that the national leadership instructed their single councillor, deputy mayor Thulani Ndlovu, not to vote over the no-confidence motion in Buthelezi.”
“It should be remembered that a few days ago, the “corruption perpetrator” seized the municipal vehicle allocated to deputy mayor Thulani Ndlovu. He boldly threatened to withdraw Ndlovu’s security detail,” Xulu said.
He questioned what had formed what he described as a reckless decision.
He also questioned what was the source of the confidence that made Buthelezi brazen and untouchable.
“There is no shadow of a doubt that EFF leadership is involved in various forms of taking bribes, kickbacks and fraudulent transactions aided by Buthelezi,” Xulu said.
“Given the fact that corruption tends to perpetuate itself, the option of allowing Buthelezi to preside over the resources of this municipality is not viable. Hence, the only choice for the residents of Zululand District is to take to the streets.”
“Our biggest challenge is that municipal resources are being abused to create the “heroic” status around such a criminal that styles itself as both mayor and reverend. What kind of religious leader behaves like this?” continued Xulu.
“Our view is that Buthelezi’s continued role in the municipality will poison the innocent minds of our councillors and aspiring youth leaders who are vulnerable as a result of rampant poverty that is so endemic in the district.”
Xulu said community disapproval was an effective form of censure that our communities need to use to create an environment where crime can be fought. Giving Buthelezi a heroic status starts a vicious cycle of never-ending crime.
“We are determined to stamp out corruption from Zululand District Municipality and ensure that every cent is accounted for and that issues of service delivery remain on top of the agenda,” Xulu concluded.
EFF KZN chairperson Vusi Khoza said that from the beginning, they said they would be voting with the IFP regarding the mayoral position.
“We are voting with the IFP. We are not voting with the ANC,” Khoza said.
Regarding the corruption allegations made, Khoza said they were not going to comment on speculation.
“He (Xulu) must produce evidence and put it on the table. He must find the evidence and take it to the police. He must stop tarnishing the EFF’s name,” Khoza said.
Daily News