By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The African National Congress (ANC) in KwaZulu-Natal says the Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi risks the stability of the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU).
This was after Buthelezi had announced the appointment of senior council officials, such as municipal managers and chief financial officers (CFOs) in hung municipalities such as Nongoma, in northern KZN.
In a statement issued late on Thursday afternoon, ANC provincial secretary Bheki Mtolo said the appointments announced by Buthelezi were “illegal”.
“We view the removal, replacement and appointment of administrators, municipal managers and chief financial officers by MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi without following due processes as reckless and illegal.”
“In particular, the MEC has no authority to appoint acting municipal manager AB Mnikathi and acting financial officer AB Ndlovu in Nongoma Local Municipality,” he said.
Prior to the May general elections and the subsequent establishment of the GPU, Buthelezi — who is also the prime minister of Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini — had a fallout with the ANC provincial leadership.
Mtolo said, Buthelezi’s actions are turning municipalities into territories controlled by a dominant group operating like a criminal syndicate.
He voiced his concerns about the new culture of maladministration allegedly being introduced under Buthelezi’s leadership.
On Tuesday, 16 July, the ANC discussed these issues with IFP officials, emphasising the urgency of the situation.
“On Wednesday, 17 July, we were informed that MEC Buthelezi continues to act with impunity, particularly in Nongoma Local Municipality. The appointment of officials in this municipality without following the necessary processes must be reversed,” Mtolo said.
He criticised Buthelezi for acting independently of the leadership collective within the GPU, likening him to “an excited untrained gun holder that shoots randomly in a crowd”.
Mtolo reminded him that no party in the GPU obtained an outright majority, hence the need for co-operative and respectful governance.
The ANC and IFP are currently in a GPU, which also includes the DA and NFP.
However, Buthelezi responded by stating that the ANC in KZN lost power on 29 May this year and shouldn’t presume they still hold it.
“Days are gone when Mtolo could bark orders at MECs and HODs in the province. I serve at the pleasure of the KZN premier,” Buthelezi said.
He also mentioned that since taking office, he has uncovered significant corruption and maladministration from the previous administration and hinted at potential criminal charges against senior ANC leaders based on ongoing forensic investigations.