KwaDukuza municipality has rejected a series of allegations made by the ANC Youth League (ANCYL) in the General Gizenga Mpanza Region, accusing the municipality of employing ghost workers and engaging in corrupt hiring practices.

Municipal spokesperson Sifiso Zulu said the claims were “unverified and potentially misleading,” and described the Youth League’s statement as assuming guilt without affording the municipality a right of reply.

This follows accusations by Youth League chairperson Ndabenhle Mzoneli, who said some individuals are receiving salaries without working. One case involves a worker in the corporate governance unit allegedly paid for over five years without reporting for duty.

Another concerns a person in the project management unit who reportedly continued to receive payment after the original employee returned.

“This is a serious misuse of public funds and highlights weak financial control,” said Mzoneli, adding that these cases form part of a broader pattern of nepotism and mismanagement.

Zulu responded that the employee in question is known to the municipality and was recruited through proper channels.

The contract worker in the project management unit, he said, was hired temporarily to cover maternity leave and was later reappointed for a limited period in line with HR policy.

The Youth League also alleged that the municipality fails to advertise posts and instead hires friends and relatives, leaving qualified local youth unemployed.

Concerns were raised about the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), which the league claims is being used to repeatedly benefit individuals close to management.

The municipality denied this, stating that EPWP workers are paid a fixed stipend and cannot occupy permanent or high-paying roles.

Zulu said recruitment follows a clear policy and involves organised labour, adding that only temporary posts may be filled without public advertising.

“The municipality believes in merit-based hiring and qualifications are vetted before any appointment,” said Zulu.

KDM has invited anyone with credible evidence to submit it to the municipal manager for investigation.

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