New Enterprise iLembe board elected in wake of corruption investigation

A new board has been appointed to run Enterprise iLembe following allegations of corruption and mismanagement levelled against senior management.

Enterprise iLembe is the development arm of the iLembe district municipality.

While the results of the investigation are yet to be made public, newly elected board chairperson, Xolani Gumede, said initial findings necessitated a continuation of the investigation.

“The preliminary forensic investigation report was handed over to the new board on Friday, January 15.

“Misdeeds such as corruption, abuse of power and misappropriation of funds will not be tolerated and therefore as the new board, we will continue to the ultimate conclusion, whatever investigations had been initiated,” said Gumede.

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Last November, chief executive Nathi Nkomzwayo was fired and and operating officer Thuthu Ngcobo resigned amid allegations of maladministration, misconduct, fraud and corruption. 

Nkomzwayo’s position was filled by marketing manager Cheryl Peters who is still acting CEO.

Following an independent audit, the 6 new board members appointed on January 14 are Ian Deetleefs, Ntokozo Mlaba, Ridwaan Raheem, Xolani Gumede, Noluthando Dlamini and Dr Thami Mbonambi. One seat is still to be filled.

Speaking at the board’s inauguration last week, current iLembe Mayor Sduduzo Gumede said the district were relying on the new board’s integrity.

“Allegations of financial impropriety have the potential to dent confidence from the public and new stakeholders. We hope this new board will continue to expose and root out misconduct and corruption,” he said.

The new board was chosen to reflect a wide array of skills and interests, in particular tourism, agriculture, manufacturing and property development, as the main areas of business in iLembe.

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Business growth and job creation continue to be the primary goal for Enterprise iLembe as the ongoing coronavirus pandemic leaves local businesses struggling.

“Enterprise iLembe is the primary instrument to drive economic growth in this municipality, despite the challenges we are currently experiencing,” said Gumede.

Outgoing chairman, Khanyisani Shandu promised complete cooperation from the outgoing board so that ongoing projects could be correctly managed.

“I feel confident that this incoming board is more than capable of going the length and breadth of our district to fulfill their mandate,” he said.

Correction: The original article that appeared in the printed version of the Courier, incorrectly stated that iLembe Mayor Sduduzo Gumede was the former rather then the current mayor.