BackPublic Protector Adv. Busisiwe Mkhwebane is conducting an own-initiative investigation into allegations of maladministration, corruption and imprudent use of public funds by the Umzimkhulu Municipality in connection with the appointment and payment of service providers for the refurbishment of the dilapidated Umzimkhulu Memorial Hall.
On 3 October 2017, a meeting in connection with the above-mentioned investigation was held between Adv. Mkhwebane and the Executive Mayor of uMzimkhulu Local Municipality, Cllr. Mphuthumi Mpabanga, who was accompanied by the Municipal Manager, Mr Zweliphantsi Sikhosana and the Senior Management of the Municipality.
After the discussions, a resolution was taken that there should be no further expenditure of public funds incurred towards the refurbishment of the uMzimkhulu Memorial Hall and that the project should be put on hold pending the conclusion of the Public Protector’s investigation. It is envisaged that the report on the outcome of the investigation will be issued on or before the end of December 2017.
The Public Protector condemns the violence and the killing of councillors, which is alleged to be linked to the project and hopes that the law enforcement agencies are doing their best to ensure that the law takes its course. In this regard, the Public Protector requests and calls upon the communities of uMzimkhulu and surrounding areas to remain calm and allow her to investigate the matter and report on the outcome thereof.
Source: Public Protector South Africa
