No KwaDukuza councillor currently holds a valid Saps threat analysis, raising questions about continued municipal spending on personal protection services.

This came to light during an in-committee council meeting last week, held to review KwaDukuza municipality’s close protection policy and related costs.

The review follows a council resolution passed on September 25, calling for a detailed report on the financial and policy implications of providing security to councillors and senior officials.

The report revealed that only one councillor, Jetro Banda, had a threat analysis report issued in September 2023, which was valid for three months and has since expired.

Despite this, more than 20 councillors had received protection, with approvals largely based on general risk concerns rather than current Saps assessments.

The debate intensified when ActionSA councillor Sipho Zungu requested the discussion be held publicly, an idea supported by ANC councillor Sanele Mthiyane.

“If the issue of KDM 1 and KDM 2 – cars used by former mayor Ali Ngidi and deputy Njabulo Cele – was discussed publicly, why should this be private?” asked Mthiyane.

Since July 2021, R34.621-million has been spent on councillor’s protection, including guards, drivers and vehicle costs.

Security costs for the municipal manager alone were listed at R18.314- million since 2016/17, while his travel expenses using three official vehicles have totalled R772 638 over the same time period.

While the mayor, deputy mayor, speaker, and chief whip qualify for protection under national policy, security for other councillors remains under review.

KwaDukuza municipality had not responded at the time of publication.

Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news.

Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you’re on desktop, scan the QR code below.