Sihle Mavuso presents the latest news from KwaZulu-Natal.
Nkandla – The Umkhonto Wesizwe (MK) party denies that its leader, former president Jacob Zuma, is not in good health. The party said reports of Zuma being in poor health were meant to hurt its chances ahead of the 29 May elections. “The truth is clear. President Zuma is healthy, strong, and in great spirits. His leadership and commitment to the MK Party are as steadfast as ever, demonstrated by his upcoming unveiling of the National Gig Rig in Nkandla,” the party said in a statement today.
Ulundi – Operations at the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education offices have been affected after a service provider allegedly stormed into its offices on Monday and took printers and copiers. An office staff member said the service provider said he had not been paid for months. The department, which apparently leased the equipment, did not comment when asked why it had not paid the company.
Ulundi – The IFP views Eskom’s sudden suspension of load shedding as an election ploy. It said load shedding was suspended just before the Rugby World Cup last year, only to be brought back later at higher stages. The party said it would not be surprised if load shedding resumes shortly after the elections to compensate for putting the electricity grid under pressure in recent weeks.
Vryheid – The report that recommended that Zweli Dhlamini, the municipal manager of Abaqulusi (Vryheid) municipality, be fired found that he was not embarrassed at misleading the council. This is one of the many reasons that led to Dhlamini’s sacking yesterday. Mayor Sifiso Mkhwanazi said Dhlamini’s conduct created instability and chaos in the municipality.
Durban – The South African Local Government Association (Salga) has not given up on having local government workers banned from holding political office. Salga KZN chairperson Thami Ntuli said the body is still seeking consensus with municipal workers’ unions as it is not ideal for these employees to “double park”. Ntuli said the merits of their case were not discussed in court, which merely ordered them to make amendments. He was addressing a media briefing in Durban where he revealed that government departments owe municipalities R3-billion for rates and services rendered.
Pictured above: Jacob Zuma.
Image source: File
