African National Congress (ANC) KwaZulu-Natal Coordinator Mike Mabuyakhulu says the provincial branch, together with its alliance partners, traditional leaders, activists, and progressive formations, emerged from a weekend summit in Durban “united, determined, and inspired to restore the dignity of the local government sphere across the province.”

Addressing the media on Tuesday, Mabuyakhulu said over 500 delegates from all 54 municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal attended the event, which acknowledged the urgent crises facing local government.

“The summit recognised that deep-seated political and administrative challenges have weakened service delivery, undermined public trust and delayed the advancement of the communities,” he said.

Mabuyakhulu highlighted serious concerns about mismanagement and corruption, citing a case in which a district municipality sold water tankers at an auction, later acquired by a local mayor who now supplies the same district.

“In that regard, this new owner, supposed owner, is now a supplier of water tankers to the same district,” he said.

He criticised what the ANC views as selective targeting of ANC-led municipalities by the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), arguing that its executive leadership is “hugely and overtly partisan.”

He emphasised that “those found to be acting ultra vires (beyond the power) of the law should be dealt with decisively, irrespective of political affiliation.”

The summit resolved to take urgent action by August 2025 to stabilise all municipalities, whether ANC-led, governed in coalition, or where the ANC serves in opposition. These measures include filling critical vacancies, aligning integrated development plans, and fostering harmonious labour relations.

On financial accountability, Mabuyakhulu stated that the ANC “will intensify the legislative oversight and enforce accountability,” rejecting unfunded budgets and insisting on adherence to the 30-day payment rule for service providers.

He condemned the widespread return of unspent grants to the fiscus, calling it “an unacceptable betrayal of the people they serve.”

Water provision emerged as a key priority, with Mabuyakhulu announcing that the ANC would convene a water summit and launch a provincial service delivery plan to address this urgent need. “The issue of water provision” was highlighted as one of the most pressing concerns across the province.”

He noted that the summit also addressed local economic development, calling for the revitalisation of economic hubs and job creation through sustainable partnerships with national and provincial departments.

Delegates committed to making submissions to the ongoing review of the 1998 White Paper on Local Government before the June 30 deadline, he said. 

Mabuyakhulu highlighted the ANC’s commitment to ethical leadership and clean governance. 

“We declare unequivocally that the ANC will tolerate no corruption, no nepotism, and no action that compromises service delivery or betrays the trust of our people.”

”We remain a movement of the people, by the people, for the people. And working together with discipline, integrity, and an unshakable commitment to our historic mission, we will build a capable, ethical, and developmental state that delivers a better life for every citizen of our KwaZulu-Natal.”

hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za

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