Pressure is mounting on the KwaDukuza municipality over its increasing use of closed, in-committee council meetings to discuss matters of public interest.

Several investigations launched against the municipality this year, including the theft and alleged misuse of municipal funds, abuse of assets, procurement and contractual irregularities, personnel misconduct and grant-related challenges, have largely been discussed behind closed doors.

While the investigations were publicly announced, their outcomes have mostly been presented in-committee, limiting public access to the findings. During the last four council meetings alone, 12 items were discussed in this manner.

The Dolphin Coast Residents and Ratepayers Association (Docrra) recently wrote to council speaker Dolly Govender on the issue, later raising it again in an executive meeting with municipal leadership.

“We acknowledged the need for a degree of confidentiality with regard to specific details and speaker Govender has committed to improving communication to at least brief the public on the matters at hand,” said Docrra vice-chair Brian Pottinger.

“We look forward to increased transparency in this regard.”

Democratic Alliance caucus leader Privi Makhan said decisions on whether items are discussed in-committee are typically guided by the speaker, municipal manager and the legal department.

“We have noticed a worrying trend where more items of significant public interest are being discussed behind closed doors. This appears to be a deliberate attempt by officials to avoid public scrutiny and accountability,” said Makhan.

She said the DA would escalate the matter if it continues.

ActionSA caucus leader Nel Sewraj said confidentiality is sometimes necessary, particularly when legal or personal information is involved. However, he stressed that confidentiality does not remove accountability and that investigation reports should be made public once matters are finalised.

African Transformation Movement councillor Thulile Mkhize agreed, arguing that clear information is critical for public participation in government.

“This must come to an end to avoid speculation and misinformation circulating on social media and in the media at large,” said Mkhize.

Municipal spokesperson Sifiso Zulu denied that in-committee discussions were designed to hide information, stating that certain items require processing by council before they can be made public.

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