DA KZN SPOKESPERSON FOR CO-OPERATIVE GOVERNANCE
THE Democratic Alliance in the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature has welcomed the resignation of controversial Msunduzi Deputy Mayor, Alpha Shelembe, while also pledging support for the removal of the entire Regional Executive Committee (REC) of the ANC (see New Age report).
DA KZN Co-operative Governance spokesperson, George Mari, described Shelembe's departure as a small step towards resolving ongoing infighting within the Moses Mabhida region, which he said had affected the stability of the Msunduzi Municipality.
"Msunduzi is still plagued by allegations of fraud, corruption. Staff morale has been severely affected by all the political wrangling, protests and sit- in's staged by disgruntled ANC supporters, which has had an impact on service delivery. There are also claims of interference by the REC of the ANC, which is alleged to have instructed officials on the procurement of municipal tenders. Given the seriousness of the allegations, the DA supports the call for the removal of the whole REC."
Mari said last week's revelations by ousted Deputy Mayor, Mervyn Dirks were also cause for serious concern. "Dirks' expose on Msunduzi gives the impression that there are many more instances of fraud and corruption that are yet to be unearthed and which still need to be fully investigated. Whilst the MEC for co-operative Governance, Nomusa Dube, has acted to stabilise the municipality, the DA believes that a full scale forensic investigation must be carried out to bring the culprits to book.
The DA will be calling on the MEC for Co-operative Governance to investigate all allegations made by Dirks, including the R1.8m utilised for the so-called Mlaba Festival and a tender for parking meters in the city, involving a company where the Premier's spouse allegedly had an interest. The allegations are serious and the DA is of the firm belief that only an independent forensic investigation will unearth the truth."
Statement issued by George Mari, MPP, DA KZN Spokesperson for Co-operative Governance, June 22 2011
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