The forensic investigation commissioned by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) into allegations of brazen looting and corruption during the replacement of water pumps at Zakheni water station in Ladysmith has been concluded.
As a result, CoGTA MEC, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi has instructed the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) led Uthukela District Municipality to take “corrective” measures as outlined in the report into the 2023 procurement process.
The investigation was initiated after the DA, a coalition partner of the IFP in the municipality, blew the whistle and alleged that the pumps supplied by APE Systems were not damaged and questioned why they were removed from the site.
Officials from the municipality claimed that the pumps were damaged during the April 2022 floods and had to be replaced at a huge cost to the financially struggling municipality, which is under administration.
In a letter dated 7 March 2025, Buthelezi instructed the Speaker of the council, Lihle Nqubuka to convene a sitting to discuss the report and map a way forward on how they would implement all its recommendations.
“The investigation has been concluded, and a final report has been prepared with recommendations as to the corrective actions that are deemed necessary. There is an obligation on the council of uThukela District Municipality in terms of the Systems Act and other prevailing legal prescripts to implement measures to prevent, detect, investigate and resolve fraud, corruption and maladministration”
“Consequently, to mitigate the risk of maladministration, fraud and corruption, although reactive in manner, it is critical that councillors deal with these instances timeously and decisively. The council is statutorily obligated to implement consequence management in respect of unauthorized, irregular and fruitless and wasteful expenditure as well as misconduct and maladministration that may be identified,” Buthelezi said in the letter obtained by African Times.
He added that the council should swiftly act on the matter.
“The findings of this investigation enable the council to address deficiencies within its municipality, hold to account persons that have committed misconduct or other offences, recover any losses suffered by the uThukela District Municipality and ensure that councillors are exercising good governance and effective oversight.”
The Uthukela District Municipality did not comment when African Times asked about the matter.
