eThekwini leadership must remove councillors accused of corruption 

OUTA KZN Regional Manager Tim Tyrrell said that the new eThekwini municipal leadership has an opportunity to prove that they are serious about fighting corruption. They need to act swiftly in removing the councillors Abegail Nomthandazo Shabalala (Ward 87),  Nomsa Euna Mthembu (Ward 81), Mishack Sithenjwa Nyawose (Ward 79) and Grace Thembelihle de Lange (Ward 85).  He said this action should extend to their co-accused, former city mayor Zandile Gumede and former executive councillor Mondli Mthembu, who were arrested and charged in May 2019. Gumede and Mthembu were subsequently demoted to ordinary councillors by the governing ANC, due to public pressure.  

All are accused for having played a part in an alleged tender rigging scam to the value of R208-million. 

“The council must do the right thing and remove the accused councillors.  This was made clear to everyone following a statement issued in by the Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) of the ANC in March 2019. Holding a position of elected office is one built solely on trust. Once that is compromised it is only reasonable that they should vacate their seats,” said Tyrrell. 

“We have endured years of corruption both locally and nationally. This has had very real consequences on our economy from near zero economic growth, to rolling blackouts, a shrinking rates base due to collapsing water and transport infrastructure and poor management. Failing to hold elected officials to the highest professional standards will be grossly disrespectful to future generations who will have to pick up the pieces of our corrupt excesses and failure to lead. We call on Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda and his executive team to take action,” said Tyrrell.