Municipality 'rudderless' as calls grow

OPPOSITION parties in the embattled KwaDukuza Local Municipality have called on the provincial government to place the municipality under Section 154 as the ANC struggles to replace its fired mayor.

- WILLEM PHUNGULA

According to a parliamentary document, Section 154 obligates national and provincial governments to strengthen municipal capacity, ensuring that municipalities can manage their affairs, exercise their powers, and fulfil their functions effectively.

This support may take the form of legislative measures, financial assistance, and technical guidance.

The municipality has been without a political head since the resignation of mayor Ali Ngidi and his deputy Njabulo Cele two weeks ago.

Attempts to elect a new mayor failed two weeks ago following an apparent revolt by ANC councilors who were said to be unhappy with the party's decision to bring back two former mayors Sduduzo Gumede and Lindiwe Nhaca as the new mayor and deputy mayor respectively.