A fierce political debate has erupted in the KwaDukuza municipality following the approval of a R1.1-million budget for a mid-term lekgotla scheduled to take place in the Drakensberg in January.

The budget was passed during a special council meeting last Thursday, with all parties supporting it except for the Democratic Alliance (DA) and Action SA. Both opposition parties claim this to be a misuse of public funds, while the ANC-led council defends it as vital for strategic planning.

DA caucus leader councillor Privi Makhan lambasted the decision, calling the spending into question.

“It is simply unconscionable that R1.1-million will be used to fund a breakaway for dozens of politicians and officials, instead of being spent on service delivery. While we recognise the need for a review of the council’s five-year strategic objectives, we cannot agree with public funds being expended in this manner.”

The DA proposed holding the lekgotla at a local venue to cut costs, but the suggestion was rejected by the ANC. She revealed that 71 municipal officials would attend the session, in addition to councillors and an undisclosed number of bodyguards.

Action SA’s Nel Sewraj echoed these concerns, questioning the decision amid ongoing service delivery issues.

“At a time when basic services remain underfunded, this plan represents a betrayal of public trust. Local venues could eliminate unnecessary transport costs, save time and boost the local economy. Residents deserve better,” he argued.

Sewraj also questioned combining the lekgotla with an energy indaba and suggested both could be held locally.

ANC chief whip Humphrey Mbatha dismissed the criticisms, arguing that the lekgotla is a collective council initiative and not solely an ANC programme. He defended the gathering as standard municipal practice to evaluate progress and refine strategies.

He also addressed concerns about the number of officials attending, giving the assurance that logistics would be reviewed by the task team. Moreover, Mbatha accused Makhan of “political grandstanding,” stating that opposition parties should not use media platforms for theatrics.

“Councillor Makhan has a tendency to fail to convince her colleagues in council and resorts to political grandstanding in the media,” he said. Mbatha emphasised the lekgotla’s strategic importance and its role in addressing the municipality’s challenges.

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