Court Upholds Provincial Control Over uMkhanyakude Municipality
Pietermaritzburg High Court upholds provincial intervention in uMkhanyakude Municipality, reinforcing administrative oversight and ensuring continued municipal services in KwaZulu-Natal.
Pietermaritzburg High Court where the ruling on uMkhanyakude Municipality's administration was delivered
In a significant victory for provincial oversight, the Pietermaritzburg High Court has affirmed the KwaZulu-Natal government's authority to place the troubled uMkhanyakude District Municipality under administration, highlighting ongoing challenges in municipal governance and leadership accountability.
Provincial Intervention Reinforced
KZN COGTA MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi welcomed the court's decision, which rejected the municipality's attempt to prevent provincial intervention under section 139 1(b) of the constitution. This ruling comes amid increasing concerns about political stability in KwaZulu-Natal's municipalities.
Administrative Control Restored
The court's decision reinstates Bamba Ndwandwe as administrator, empowering him to oversee municipal operations. This intervention reflects broader patterns of institutional reform and governance challenges facing South African municipalities.
"The court further ordered the municipal manager to submit the payroll to Mr. Ndwandwe so that the administrator can process the July salaries for municipal employees," stated department spokesperson Senzelwe Mzila.
Immediate Actions Required
- Municipal manager must submit payroll to the administrator
- July salaries to be processed under new administration
- Mayor directed to ensure reopening of municipal gates
- Restoration of normal municipal services
While the final judgment on the municipality's application to set aside the intervention remains pending, the administration will continue to exercise control until the court delivers its ultimate decision. This temporary ruling represents a crucial step in ensuring proper governance and service delivery in the region.
Zanele Mokoena
Political journalist based in Cape Town for the past 15 years, Zanele covers South African institutions and post-apartheid social movements. Specialist in power-civil society relations.