MK Party Labour accuses uMgungundlovu Deputy Mayor of misappropriating resources
THE Deputy Mayor of uMgungundlovu District Municipality Sibongile Dlamini is being accused of misappropriating resources by the president of uMkhonto weSizwe Party's Labour and Civic Organisation (LACO). The municipality has swiftly rejected the allegations and challenged LACO to open a criminal case.
Image: UMGUNGUNDLOVU DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY
THE president of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party’s Labour and Civic Organisation (LACO), Mlungisi Zondi, has doubled down on allegations that the deputy mayor of the uMgungundlovu District Municipality misappropriated tractors and water storage tanks intended for community projects.
On Sunday, Zondi alleged that Deputy Mayor Sibongile Dlamini distributed tractors sourced from the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) to her relatives, claiming that one of the tractors was parked at Dlamini’s home in Ward 5, Msunduzi Municipality. He further alleged that the water storage tanks, popularly known as jo-jo tanks, earmarked for Mooi River were also diverted.
“It is alleged that she took all the jo-jo tanks and gave some to those who agree with her in the ANC. It is alleged that some were given to the ANC Women’s League. It does not end there, as it is also alleged that she has hired family members at uMgungundlovu District Municipality. It is no longer uMgungundlovu District, it is now Dlamini District,” Zondi claimed.
PRESIDENT of uMkhonto weSizwe Party's Labour and Civic Organisation (LACO) Mlungisi Zondi has doubled down on his allegations that the deputy mayor of uMgungundlovu Distric Municipality misappropriated tractors and water storage tanks.
Image: META
The uMgungundlovu District Municipality swiftly rejected the allegations, denying that the deputy mayor was involved in any projects linked to the tractors or jo-jo tanks.
“We would like to warn the public about lies that are being circulated by Mlungisi Inkinga kaMancinza on Facebook. This man has no shame in spreading lies about something he has not provided any proof of,” the municipality said in a statement.
The municipality accused Zondi of attempting to score cheap political points by casting aspersions on the deputy mayor.
“There has never been a tractor project brought by Cogta in uMgungundlovu. Mlungisi must avail evidence that there ever was such a project, when and where. He must also reveal the names of these relatives who were given these tractors and how many there are. As a member of the community, Mlungisi has the right to go to the police with the evidence to open a criminal case,” the statement read.
Addressing previous allegations regarding water storage tanks, the municipality said such projects involve community participation led by councillors, with officials responsible for the handover of resources where they are needed.
THE deputy mayor of uMgungundlovu District Municipality is accused of misappropriating water storage tanks, colloquially known as jo-jo tanks. The municipality has rejected these allegations.
Image: File
On Monday, Zondi again challenged the municipality, saying he would only present his evidence if members of the public and the media were allowed to be present, and if the proceedings were broadcast live on the LACO Facebook page.
The ANC-run district municipality includes seven municipalities of Msunduzi (Pietermaritzburg), uMngeni (Howick), Mpofana (Mooi River), uMshwathi (New Hanover/Wartburg), iMpendle, Mkhambathini (Camperdown) and Richmond and has been plagued by water and sanitation services challenges that have led to service delivery protests in some areas. The municipality recently celebrated an unqualified audit.