Celani Sikhakhane brings you KwaZulu-Natal’s latest news.
Nongoma: Nongoma Local Municipality is facing scrutiny from opposition parties after demanding its Chief Financial Officer return to work before the end of her sick leave.
Nonhlanhla Mzimela-Madwe went on sick leave on 17 September, but on 29 September, Nongoma Mayor Mbekezeli Zondo demanded she return to work, despite her sick leave only being due to end on 2 October. The recall comes after Mzimela-Madwe made explosive corruption allegations against senior municipal officials.
Opposition parties have questioned the decision, with some calling it inhumane and others alleging it is aimed at advancing the political interests of certain leaders. The Mayor said the municipality is facing a leadership vacuum, since the acting Municipal Manager is also currently on sick leave.
“At present, the continued absence of both the acting Municipal Manager and the Chief Financial Officer is having an impact on the effective function of the municipality. I therefore kindly request that, your medical condition permitting, you return to work as soon as medically possible,” Mayor Zondo wrote.
Mzimela-Madwe could not be reached for comment.
Madadeni: The Madadeni Regional Court has sentenced two friends, aged 38 and 41, to life imprisonment each for a rape that occurred at Liester Farm, under the Madadeni policing precinct, on 9 July 2016.
The victim, 23 at the time, had visited her boyfriend at the farm. The couple argued, and the boyfriend badly assaulted her. She sought help from his brother, who told her to stay in his room and calm down, as she was crying and distressed.
Durban: More than 100 political parties will contest the upcoming local government elections in KwaZulu-Natal alone in November.
The Electoral Commission of South Africa confirmed the figures on Tuesday, during the signing of the Electoral Code of Conduct at the Olive Convention Centre in Durban. The Commission says the province has registered 26,497 candidates, including ward and PR candidates, as well as 104 independent candidates, with 101 political parties contesting 2,166 available seats across 54 municipalities. During the event, political parties and independent candidates publicly signed a pledge to abide by the Electoral Code of Conduct and the Disinformation Code, committing to peaceful, ethical and fair democratic contestation ahead of the 4 November elections.
Pictured above: Nongoma Mayor Mbekezeli Zondo, who has demanded the municipality’s CFO return from sick leave early.
Image source: Nongoma Local Municipality/Facebook Page
