DURBAN - The new term of the eThekwini Municipality Executive Committee (Exco), the highest committee of the political office-bearers which sets the vision, the direction of the municipality and policy parameters, has kicked off, with Exco members inducted on Monday.
Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda has promised to work effectively and transparently with all parties in exco, to strengthen political oversight and ensure the development of the people's lives.
Kaunda highlighted the importance of his administration to root out corruption and do away with irregular expenditure in order to obtain clean audits and achieve clean governance.
“Each cluster and unit must demonstrate that they are doing their best to protect the city from corruption and irregular expenditure. We agree with residents who want to see lights on from all the streets throughout the city, suburbs, and townships. The time for electioneering is over. We must work together in the interest of our people.”
This comes after the Exco sitting was forced to be postponed due to the Covid-19.
Kaunda confirmed that he had contracted the Omicron virus and went in isolation.
“There were reports that I was too ill. Well, I had tested positive for the Covid-19 fourth wave and contracted the new variant Omicron. I did not want to disclose this publicly, but I had been in isolation, and I recovered. We thank those who have been praying for our recovery,” Kaunda said.
DA caucus leader Nicole Graham welcomed the mayor’s remarks and appealed for inclusion of the opposition parties in all political activities of the city.
“The outcome of the elections was clear and reflected the true will of the people, previously there was an exclusion of the opposition, and we hope that this time, we will be able to work together moving forward.”
Members of Exco were led through the process of induction by the city officials.
Committee chairpersons were appointed as follows:
Councillors Zama Sokhabasa was appointed chairperson of the Community Services Committee; Thanduxole Sabelo as the chairperson of the Economic Development and Planning committee; Mayor Kaunda as chairperson of the Finance, Security and emergency Services Committee; the Governance and Human Resources cluster Committee chairperson position went to Nkosenhle Madlala, and the Deputy mayor Philani Mavundla was appointed chairperson of the Human Settlements and Infrastructure cluster Committee.
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