KZN political killings: Premier and MEC must restore stability

4 July 2023

The DA calls on KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Premier Nomusa-Dube-Ncube and her COGTA MEC, Bongiwe Sithole-Moloi to urgently convene a meeting of all political party leaders in the province in order to find viable solutions to the increase in politically-motivated killings.

The move comes after the murders of ACDP Councillor, JF Myaka in Umhlathuze and IFP Councillor, Innocent Mkhwanazi in Mtubatuba - within just one week.

The growing climate of violence in KZN is a threat to our democracy, yet the province’s ANC-run government has not taken firm action.

Earlier this year, the DA engaged directly with the Premier, calling on her to engage with all political party leaders. Her response was flippant in the extreme – that she did not have time to sit around a table and drink water.

This lack of interest is confirmed by the fact that the Moerane Commission report – with its recommendations on preventing such killings – is gathering dust in her Office.

The Commission has laid much of the blame for political killings at the door of political parties, with many of its recommendations also geared towards them. Yet, to date, there is little attempt by some stakeholders to acknowledge or implement these proposals.

Of extreme concern is that attacks and killings of councillors appear to be more prevalent in municipalities with hung councils or those with unstable coalitions. This raises serious questions around whether there are sinister forces at play.

It is now critical that MEC, Bongiwe Sithole-Moloi revise her department’s approach to these municipalities. This must include putting a stop to party-political games and working with councils and political parties to bring about stability.

KZN has a long, sad record of political violence - partly because of apartheid but also due to a history of violence and intolerance, particularly between the ANC and IFP. While massive strides have been made since 1994, this scourge has unfortunately raised its ugly head during the past few years.

For democracy to survive, next years’ elections must be free and fair, with elected office bearers able to perform their duties without intimidation.

The DA expects the Premier to take immediate action in implementing the Moerane Commission’s recommendations and for her COGTA MEC to outline steps to be taken by her department within KZN’s conflict-ridden municipalities.

Issued by Francois Rodgers, Leader of the DA in the KZN Legislature, 4 July 2023