Statement on the dire state of governance in KZN and the collapse of the so-called GNU
30 September 2024
The uMkhonto weSizwe Party notes the recent suspensions of five officials from the KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Department, including the Chief Financial Officer and the Director for Supply Chain Management.
While these suspensions are a small step toward accountability, they represent a glaring failure of the ANC-led government and the crumbling so called Government of National Unity in KwaZulu-Natal.
For years, the ANC of Cyril Ramaphosa has consistently demonstrated an inability to govern effectively, particularly in critical departments like CoGTA. This latest scandal, where officials are accused of financial misconduct leading up to the May 2024 elections, is merely another episode in a long history of corruption, mismanagement, and a lack of oversight. The ANC's failure to manage CoGTA has left municipalities in financial ruin, traditional leaders neglected, and basic service delivery unattainable for many communities in the province.
The Auditor-General's recent report further emphasises the extent of this dysfunction. It paints a bleak picture of widespread corruption, irregular expenditures, and blatant disregard for financial controls under ANC of Ramaphosa's leadership. Time and time again, funds intended for the development of KwaZulu-Natal's people have been squandered, while officials in positions of power enrich themselves with impunity.
The collapse of the so called GNU only exacerbates these failures. Initially conceived as a collaborative effort to stabilise governance, it has instead become a symbol of political infighting, ineffectiveness, and a lack of vision. The people of KwaZulu-Natal are left bearing the brunt of this failure, with municipalities collapsing under the weight of corruption and mismanagement.
While the MEC for CoGTA, Rev. Thulasizwe Buthelezi, asserts that these suspensions indicate a move toward good governance, the MK Party remains skeptical. The ANC of Cyril Ramaphosa has consistently demonstrated a preference for protecting its own interests over meaningful reform. While these suspensions may provide temporary relief, they are merely symbolic without a comprehensive overhaul of the governance system and a commitment to eradicating corruption.
The MK Party firmly believes that the people of KwaZulu-Natal deserve a government that prioritises accountability, transparency, and the well-being of its citizens. The era of empty promises and superficial actions has come to an end. We call for an independent investigation into the financial misconduct within CoGTA and for those found guilty to face the full consequences of the law. Only then can we begin to restore trust in governance and offer hope to the people of this province.
The ANC of Cyril Ramaphosa has unequivocally proven that it cannot be trusted to lead KwaZulu-Natal or any other part of the country. It is time for genuine change, for leaders who are committed to serving the people rather than their own interests.
The MK Party stands ready to be that change, presenting a vision of governance built on integrity, accountability, and service to the people.
Issued by Nhlamulo Ndhlela, Head: Media and Communications, MKP, 30 September 2024
