DA calls for investigation into Msunduzi mayor amid allegations of misconduct
The Democratic Alliance (DA) is intensifying its call for an investigation against the mayor of Msunduzi Municipality, Mzimkhulu Thebolla, amid allegations of wrongdoing, including abuse of power and making unilateral decisions.
The DA leader in the municipality, Ross Strachan, stated that the bodies with the authority to investigate the allegations must step in, and if the allegations are substantiated, then Thebolla should face charges.
The allegations stem from a public fallout between the mayor and the former municipal manager, Lulamile Mapholoba last year. This came about when Mapholoba was suspended by the municipality, and in turn, he made allegations that the mayor and the African National Congress (ANC) had interfered with his job. He later left the municipality.
Strachan said during an interview on Sunday with a news channel that relevant organisations should investigate the allegations against the mayor.
Last week, a motion brought by the DA to launch an investigation into the mayor failed during a sitting of the municipality’s full council.
Strachan said their motion was based on the allegations documented in the official response of the former City Manager, Mr Lulamile Mapholoba, to his suspension.
He said the written response outlined troubling claims implicating the mayor in the ongoing governance crisis gripping the municipality.
“Despite the gravity of these claims and the municipality’s well-documented state of collapse, the ANC, alongside the other parties, voted against the motion. Their decision is a blatant rejection of transparency and accountability.
“The DA will not be deterred. We will continue to use every available platform to hold those in power accountable and to fight for clean, capable, and people-centred government,” he said.
ACDP councillor Rienus Niemand stated that the ACDP supported the motion. “We believe the serious issues have not been investigated and seriously undermine the credibility of the mayor and the integrity of the council.”
“We are concerned that these issues brought by the previous municipal manager, with supporting evidence, must be dealt with without delay. The mayor has brought the council into disrepute on a number of occasions.”
Msunduzi Municipality spokesperson Ntobe Mkhize said the motion was raised and deliberated upon during a closed session of the municipal council, in accordance with council rules governing confidential matters.
“The motion, however, did not succeed and therefore will not be proceeding. Due to the confidential nature of the proceedings, the municipality is not in a position to comment further. However, it is important to note that under the leadership of Mayor Thebolla, the municipality continues to work towards delivering quality services and improving the lives of its residents.”