The uMkhonto Wesizwe Party (MKP) has criticised the Umzinyathi District Municipality for allegedly breaching constitutional and labour laws by including a question about political party affiliation in its official job application forms.

MKP Inkosi Bhambatha Regional Detachment spokesperson, Innocent Shabangu, described the practice as unlawful and discriminatory.

“This is a blatant breach of the Constitution and employment legislation,” said Shabangu.

He said the question violated:

• Section 9(3) of the Constitution, which prohibits discrimination on political grounds,

• Section 6(1) of the Employment Equity Act, and

• Section 67(1)(a) of the Municipal Systems Act, which requires fair and merit-based appointments.

Shabangu warned that such practices could entrench political patronage and discourage capable individuals from applying for municipal jobs.

The MKP has called for:

• The immediate removal of the question from application forms,

• A full investigation into recent appointments, and

• Action to ensure hiring processes remain impartial.

The Umzinyathi District Municipality did not respond to requests for comment by the time of publication.

The municipality, which has been under provincial intervention since 2016, reported more than R1.7 billion in irregular, unauthorised and fruitless expenditure during the last financial year.

Newly elected Mayor T Mchunu recently announced the adoption of a funded budget – a first in years – in a bid to stabilise the institution.

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