DA claims victory as Councillor behind bars to be removed form Council

31 May 2023

The ANC-led eThekwini municipality, should hang its head in shame after the Councillor Mzimuni Ngiba debacle.

For nearly a year, the municipality has been shamelessly paying a councillor behind bars, showering him with a salary and benefits while he faces a murder charge.

While the municipality would have opted to sweep this scandal under the rug, the DA confronted the matter head-on. Without the DA's relentless pursuit of justice, the ANC would have continued with business as usual, indulging in their corrupt practices.

The DA has been demanding the removal of Ngiba, and now, the Speaker's report has finally recommended his ousting. But let's not forget the role of Speaker Thabani Nyawose, who conveniently turned a blind eye as Ngiba missed three consecutive Municipal Council and Committee meetings as outlined in item 15(1) of Schedule 7: Code of Conduct for Councillors.

The Speaker should have flagged Ngiba’s absence and taken immediate action, yet he chose to protect an individual facing a serious murder charge.

This blatant disregard for the rules is precisely why our city is crumbling. The ANC's wasteful expenditure is driving up tariffs and leaving our infrastructure in ruins. And what does the speaker do? He aids and abets the collapse of our beloved city by allowing a prisoner to collect a salary, sitting behind bars while Ward 101 residents suffer.

The time has come for accountability! The DA will not rest until Nyawose is held responsible for his actions.

As a government in waiting, we are prepared to table a motion of no confidence against the Speaker. It's time to rid our municipality of these self-serving individuals who prioritize their own interests over the needs of the people.

We will also seek to have the payment of a imprisoned Councillor declared as fruitless and wasteful expenditure.

The DA has triumphed in exposing the ANC's incompetence and corruption. Now, let's ensure justice prevails and our city can finally start to heal from their destructive reign.

Issued by Vincent Mkhize, DA eThekwini Caucus Chief Whip, 31 May 2023