Mike Sutcliffe named governance expert to rescue ailing uMsunduzi Municipality
Former eThekwini Mayor Michael (Mike) Sutcliffe has been appointed as a Governance Expert to support the ailing uMsunduzi Local Municipality in the Midlands.
His appointment was made this week by the KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, following a sustained outcry over deteriorating Municipal Infrastructure and a sharp decline in business confidence in the Pietermaritzburg CBD.
“This appointment, made in terms of Section 154 of the Constitution, is a crucial step towards implementing a comprehensive turnaround strategy for the municipality,” said the MEC in a statement.
With extensive experience in local government, Sutcliffe previously served for over nine years as the eThekwini Municipal Manager and has also worked as a local government expert, supporting municipalities across the province.
COGTA said over the past 12 months, Dr Sutcliffe has completed a major service-delivery turnaround in eThekwini Municipality.
His immediate task at uMsunduzi will be the implementation of a turnaround plan, focusing urgently on restoring service delivery, strengthening good governance, restoring investor confidence, and ensuring sound financial management.
In his address to the Council, the MEC emphasised the collective responsibility of all councillors to support Dr Sutcliffe in his critical role. He underscored that this support is essential to benefit the broader uMsunduzi community and all ratepayers. He also called upon councillors to uphold the highest standards of transparency and accountability to the residents they serve.
All Exco members welcomed Dr Sutcliffe’s appointment, expressing full support for what they view as a timely and necessary intervention. They said the move will significantly strengthen the municipality’s ability to tackle its current challenges.
The MEC was accompanied on the visit by the Acting Head of Department, Dr Krishnan.
IOL News