eThekwini residents need justice
With the ongoing investigation into deeply entrenched corruption at eThekwini Municipality exposing even more officials, the need for justice to prevail couldn’t be stronger, says the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA).
Tim Tyrrell, OUTA Provincial Manager for KwaZulu-Natal, said the recent arrest and court appearance of the eThekwini Metro’s Municipal Manager, Sipho Nzuza, on fraud charges was deeply troubling. “It adds credence to the perception that the culture of corruption is entrenched in the local government sphere.”
Tyrell says the public has a right to see this matter go to trial and justice administered. “The fact that we have a core cohort of the leadership who governed eThekwini between 2016 and 2019 accused of helping siphon R430 million from the city’s budget through corrupt contracts, should worry not only Durban residents, but all South Africans.”
Nzuza is standing trial alongside former mayor Zandile Gumede, former chairperson of the infrastructure committee Mondli Mthembu, several senior city officials and several contractors.
Tyrrell said the eThekwini Metro is considered a significant engine in the economy of the country and Southern Africa.
“It is a vitally important city. It is highly likely this allegation of corruption will have a negative effect on the economy. As we approach the 2021 Local Government Elections, voters need to ask themselves whether their chosen party is putting up a candidate who can adequately manage a municipality with a budget in excess of R50-billion. If not, they must confront their party, demanding a higher calibre candidate or otherwise change their vote. We deserve better,” said Tyrrell.