Red flags raised over R350k KDM sponsorship for out-of-area events

Fresh concerns have emerged over alleged financial maladministration by KwaDukuza council after it approved a R350 000 sponsorship for an event being held outside the KwaDukuza municipal (KDM) boundary.

In March, the Enterprise iLembe Economic Development Agency received R5-million from the national Department of Sports, Arts and Culture (DSAC) to fund the Durban July Ballito Experience.

At the official launch of the three-day event, Enterprise iLembe CEO Siyabonga Mazibuko told attendees in Ballito the initiative would boost tourism and investment in the region, while creating up to 500 jobs in iLembe.

However, only one segment of the programme, a golf day for government officials and investors at Umhlali Country Club on July 4, will take place within the municipality. The remainder includes a VIP event at Greyville Racecourse on July 5 and a music, food and fashion festival at Beach Bums in Westbrook (eThekwini municipality) on July 6.

“The council in KwaDukuza has once again demonstrated its disregard for responsible governance and local economic development by pushing through a R350 000 sponsorship for an event dubbed the ‘Ballito July Experience’ that is not even taking place within the municipality,” said KwaDukuza DA caucus leader, Privi Makhan.

“This decision, steamrolled through council on June 3, is an insult to the people of KwaDukuza. Ratepayers are now funding tourism and economic activity in a neighbouring municipality while our own communities are left behind.”

Makhan further accused the leadership of misusing public funds to benefit politically connected individuals under the pretext of “economic development.”

“KDM residents deserve leadership that prioritises their interests, not one that funnels scarce municipal funds into events beyond our jurisdiction,” she said.

KDM spokesperson Sifiso Zulu confirmed the festival was initially intended to take place in Ballito but was moved due to scheduling conflicts.

“The organisers were forced to relocate the event to a new venue outside iLembe,” he said.

Enterprise iLembe and DSAC declined to comment.

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