DURBAN - The war of words between Zululand Municipality mayor Thulasizwe Buthelezi and Zululand community leader Lindo Xulu has erupted again.
In a scathing letter Xulu wrote to Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) MEC Sipho Hlomuka on Tuesday, which the Daily News has seen, he lambasted the mayor for corruption, accusing him of spending R240 million on security for himself and his wife.
He alleged that as a result of this unfunded expenditure the mayor had put the municipality into a R240m deficit, and ran the risk of failing to pay service providers and employees. Xulu urged the MEC to intervene urgently to prevent the total collapse of the municipality.
“We write this letter deeply troubled by the conduct of our district mayor, Thulasizwe Buthelezi, who is on a corruption spree. His corruption has resulted into a deteriorating state of affairs in the Zululand District Municipality’s service delivery.
“The MEC will recall that last year we lodged a complaint against the R5m fruitless expenditure breakfast that the mayor had on the eve of the IFP’s manifesto launch.
“Unfortunately, it appears that the mayor continues to abuse public funds. The evidence we have is that R240m was used to pay for the mayor's security guards, leaving the municipality with a budget deficit of R240m. It is also alleged that his wife is also given VIP protection,” read Xulu’s letter.
He added that the people needed answers as to how it was possible that R240m had been used for VIP protection in a municipality that depended on government grants.
Xulu said his claim was backed up by the report of the chief financial officer, which he said further revealed excessive spending on issues such as litigation that had no bearing on service delivery. He questioned the price tag for the mayor’s security, adding that he was not aware of any report on threat assessment by any law enforcement agencies that may warrant this type of spending.
Furthermore, Xulu said he was also aware that the municipality had received two letters from the National Treasury warning that it would not release funds to bail it out as it was engaged in fruitless and out-of-budget expenditure.
The municipality’s spokesperson, Zanele Mthethwa, said the municipality was not at liberty to comment on such allegations.
Cogta spokesperson Senzo Mzila confirmed receipt of the letter, and said it was being processed.
Xulu and the mayor were embroiled in a public spat after Xulu led a protest to a hotel in Durban where the breakfast was held last year. He accused the mayor of squandering R5 million on the event, and questioned why it was not held in Zululand hotels.
At the time Buthelezi rubbished the figure of R5m.
“These are the figures. Venue cost: R71 000 excl VAT and consists of round tables, chairs, table cloths, AV pack, venue screen, projectors, seamless scaler/switcher, laptop, PA system, line microphone, PC sound and technician, roving mics, parking, food and beverages: R46 200 excl VAT. NB: These costs cater for 100 people. Sub Total excl VAT R117 200. Sub Total incl VAT R134 780.”
On Thursday, when approached for comment Buthelezi, said: “Mr Xulu must go and complete his junior degree at the University of Johannesburg first. Thereafter we can engage at the same level.”
Daily News