Thulasizwe Buthelezi, the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), has welcomed the recent arrests of the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and Speaker of Nongoma Local Municipality on charges of fraud and corruption. Buthelezi described the arrests as a significant step in the government’s ongoing efforts to fight corruption and restore accountability in local municipalities.
Speaking during a meeting at the Nongoma Local Municipality Council Chamber, Buthelezi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to rooting out corruption, saying that these arrests send a clear message that misconduct will not be tolerated.
The arrests follow a recent High Court judgment which overturned the appointments of the Acting Municipal Manager and Acting Chief Financial Officer, further highlighting the municipality’s ongoing financial difficulties. The municipality is grappling with significant financial challenges, with employee costs exceeding 50% of the budget.
In response to these issues, the newly appointed Acting Municipal Manager, Mpumelelo Bongani Mnguni, will be tasked with stabilizing the municipality’s finances and ensuring the continuation of essential public services.