Celani Sikhakhane
A year ago, her driver went on leave without her approval.
Since then Nozibele Dzingi, the deputy mayor of Umuziwabantu local municipality, has been driving herself.
But the lower South Coast in KwaZulu-Natal spends more than R200,000 on the driver’s salary, even though he hangs around the office all day doing nothing.
Dzingi is in contravention of the Municipal Systems Act by driving herself on official duties, says a source in the municipality.
When contacted for comment, Dzingi’s phones were on voicemail.
UMuziwabantu Mayor Dixie Nicki said they have tried many times to address the matter, but they didn’t succeed.
“The driver is willing to work with her but she doesn’t want him. We have come up with another option to provide her with another driver, who is in the system, but she refused. As we speak she is driving the official vehicle by herself,” said Nciki.
She added the driver can’t be fired because he is protected by the Labour Relations Act.
Scrolla.Africa tried to speak to the driver but he refused to comment and only said the matter was between him and his employer.
