Municipal answers to public questions on the KwaDukuza annual report provide some interesting insights into hot-button issues.

Every year the KwaDukuza municipality (KDM) compiles an annual report which gives an overview of municipal projects, financial health and forecasts for the future.

As part of its mandated public engagement, KDM allows a period of time during which the public, and more commonly civic organisations, can submit questions and receive answers on specific issues.

There were dozens of questions submitted this year, from residents and ratepayers associations in the Dolphin Coast (Docrra), Zinkwazi (Zbbra), Blythedale, Tinley Manor, KwaDukuza (KDRF) and iLembe (ICAM).

Docrra estimated that its members spent some 150 hours of professional hours evaluating the report and identifying key issues.

“Holding our municipality to account for their actions and inadequate service delivery is an annual cornerstone of the activities of Docrra,” said Docrra finance subcommittee chairman, Brian Botes.

“We can see how the input from Docrra on the Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) and many other forums is being recognised, considered and how plans are amended according to the needs of our members.”

You can find the full report with questions and answers via Docrra’s website at docrra.co.za/blog.

We selected a few of the most pressing questions to publish, with answers from KDM paraphrased below.

Electricity Unit losses
Q: What consequence management is being taken following losses of R263-million last year? The establishment of a revenue protection unit was approved but has not been staffed, why?
A: The existing framework on consequence management is inadequate and is in the process of being updated.
Once updated, MPAC will review all matters requiring consequence management and act accordingly.
As for the revenue protection unit, posts are soon to be advertised.

KwaDukuza Museum
Q: The date for opening was set for July 31, 2023 – what is the delay?
A: The first setback in opening the museum was owing to a dispute over a bill with the iLembe District Municipality going back to 2007.
iLembe refused to issue a new meter given the dispute and wet services testing could not be done.
Once the dispute was resolved, the lift in the building broke and was not replaced until November 2023, after which it was found that some service lines were encroaching on property and needed to be relocated. The relocation was completed in February and handed over to KDM.
KDM is now populating the exhibition of the museum and hopes to have it open by the end of 2024.

Rocky Park Housing Project
Q: The Premier’s office called for an investigation in early 2023, what is the status?
A: The investigation began in October 2023 and is ongoing.
It must be noted that KDM never paid any funds to the contractor and it was the Department of Human Settlements who ran the project.
This is why Rocky Park has never featured in Auditor General reports because municipal funds were not used.

Executive Director: Civil Engineering post
Q: Why has this post not been filled?             A: Former director Muzi Sithole resigned in early 2023.
The process is awaiting council approval.

Audit Committee staffing
Q: The internal audit committee has long complained about a lack of staff. Adverts were posted for new staff in 2023, have any hires been made?
A: One new staff member was employed – several other applicants did not take up offers because they were contract posts.
An amended staff organogram has been submitted for council approval.
Out of interest, KDM confirmed that it has 1 016 total employees.

Ballito Pro cost
Q: Why did the Ballito Pro costs balloon from R3.6-million in 2021 to R11.8-million in 2022?
A: The 2021 event was during Covid-19 and was recategorised as a national event rather than international.
Prize money was decreased and service providers agreed to 2019 fees given the constraints of the pandemic.
For 2022, the event returned to full status and sanction fees, judges’ costs and prize money were all paid in dollars and therefore more expensive.

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