Sihle Mavuso brings you the latest news from KwaZulu-Natal.
KwaDukuza – An investigation into the contractors that won tenders in the R1.2-billion road rehabilitation project in the ANC-run KwaDukuza Local Municipality found some irregularities. The companies were appointed to fix roads battered by floods. However, a whistleblower raised the red flag, prompting ActionSA to ask the Auditor General (AG) to investigate the allegations. The AG has since confirmed that there are issues of conflicts of interest and procurement breaches.
Umzinto – Driving school operators in Umzinto in southern KwaZulu-Natal are angry after the ANC-run Umdoni Local Municipality closed the local drivers’ testing ground. The ground was initially scheduled to be closed between 5 and 9 February 2024 “due to operational issues”. However, almost two weeks later, the busy centre is still closed. The chairperson of the association of owners of driving schools, Lulu Memela, said this has hampered their businesses and the municipality is not telling them what exactly led to the prolonged closure.
Mbazwana – The Mbazwana community library has been closed for the past two weeks after a violent community picket. Members of the community allege that the five assistants employed to work in the library are not from the Umhlabuyalingana area as specified when the job opportunities were advertised. They want the assistants to be expelled and replaced by unemployed locals.
Estcourt – The alleged hitmen suspected of being behind the killing of Mthokozisi Sithole, a leader of the IFP in Estcourt in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, have made their first court appearances following their arrest and were remanded in custody. Sithole was killed almost three weeks ago, sparking fears that political violence might return to the area ahead of the elections.
Pictured above: The closed driver testing ground in Umzinto in southern KwaZulu-Natal.
Image source: Supplied