I feel that it is important that I clarify the matter to all media houses before the incorrect publication by one KZN paper is blown out of context. People of Umtshezi should be aware that the Director Technical Services left willingly for greener pastures.

He is occupying a very senior position in one local municipality in KwaZulu-Natal. We could not fill this position as the municipality is finalising the merger with Imbabazane, therefore this post could not be filled.

The contract period advertised could not attract many applicants, due to it being short. We have requested the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) to assist in forwarding CV’s of competent individuals due to scarcity of Engineers and we are currently finalising the recruitment processes. A Senior Technician has been employed to carry out the duties in the civil department together with three firms of consultants, who are within our pool of consultants.

The Director: Corporate Services is currently on special leave and has not resigned and the matter pertaining to him is subjudice, however an Acting Director has been appointed while we are waiting the finalisation of the outcome of the Director: Corporate Services.
The Director of Corporate Services is still an employee of Umtshezi Municipality and he did not resign.

We are not aware of the funds running dry from the municipal accounts. An overdraft facility was approved by Council recently. It has been activated but not used. This facility was there in the past and the ex-Chief Financial Officer cancelled the facility, which has been activated lately. We are up-to-date with all Eskom accounts. At no time, was our employees not paid their salaries.

It is understood that people will do whatever it takes to advance their political agenda and ambitions, however media houses should verify the allegations prior to publications.

Negative and fabricated information may cause serious and unpleasant implications for all parties involved. As we are nearing the 2016 Local Government Elections, we are going to be inundated by the high level of untruthful allegations. The quoted ‘Councillor’ if he\she is a Councillor should be aware of the resolutions he\she takes with the broader Council in light of the published fabricated allegations. I hereby confirm that my sentiments are truthful, correct and could be tested.