The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Endumeni has welcomed the appointment of Advocate AA Khambule as acting municipal manager, calling it a step toward restoring stability in the troubled municipality.
Khambule has been seconded to the post by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Co-operative Governance & Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) and will serve on a month-to-month basis.

“This appointment brings a measure of administrative certainty to a municipality that has suffered from prolonged dysfunction,” said DA Councillor Saleem Abdool.
He said the decision followed ‘sustained oversight and pressure’ from the DA, which he believes played a key role in prompting the intervention.

“It marks a victory for the residents of Endumeni, who have endured far too much at the hands of an unstable and poorly managed local government. Without the DA’s persistent intervention and demand for accountability, this matter would have continued to be ignored,” Abdool said.

The appointment follows the departure of Sithembiso Ntombela as municipal manager, who was named – along with other officials – in a CoGTA report on corruption related to a security tender when Mayor Ndlovu was in office.

Ntombela has since resigned and took up a senior post in the KZN Premier’s office.
Abdool welcomed the inclusion of DA representatives on the panel responsible for short-listing and interviewing candidates for the permanent municipal manager position.
“This will help ensure that the appointment process is guided by principles of merit, competence and transparency,” he added.

However, Abdool warned that much work remains to be done to resolve ongoing issues.
“While this is a breakthrough, the challenges facing the people of Endumeni are far from over.
“We still face service delivery failures, crumbling infrastructure and widespread financial mismanagement,” he said.

“The DA remains resolute in fighting for ethical, accountable and responsive governance.
“We will continue to apply pressure and offer constructive alternatives so that the residents of Endumeni receive the services and dignity they rightfully deserve.”
Willie Steenberg of the Endumeni Residents Association (ERA) cautiously welcomed the appointment but said ‘the advocate has a huge challenge, as Endumeni is in a downward spiral’.

“We would like to meet with her as soon as possible.
“The allegations of rampant corruption within the municipality are causing massive instability and residents are just fed up.”

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