The ANC in the Josiah Gumede Region, together with its caucus in uThukela District Municipality, has strongly condemned what it describes as reckless governance that has pushed the municipality into financial collapse and service delivery paralysis.

Bank accounts frozen after court order default

According to the ANC, the district municipality’s bank accounts were frozen after the administration failed to honour a court-approved repayment plan to RASP Consultants CC. As a result, the sheriff attached the municipal accounts, leaving the municipality unable to pay for critical services such as water treatment chemicals, electricity and basic infrastructure repairs.

The party alleges that a controversial R137-million ‘secret deal’ was entered into by Mayor Inkosi Shabalala and his administration without proper council involvement. It further claims that municipal management signed a court order they could not afford to implement, exposing the municipality to mounting legal costs and interest – funds that should have been used to improve service delivery.

At Tuesday’s (February 17) council meeting, the IFP caucus reportedly walked out deliberately, collapsing the quorum, which led to chaos.

Calls for probe into municipal manager

The ANC has called for an investigation into the municipal manager under Section 171 of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) for possible financial misconduct. It is also demanding a review of the municipality’s legal services; and that all related legal and interest costs be recorded as fruitless and wasteful expenditure, with the responsible officials held personally liable.

Service delivery and salaries at risk

The crisis is already affecting employees and residents. The ANC warns that February 2026 salaries may not be paid, which could lead to labour unrest and a shutdown of municipal operations. Residents also face the risk of water shortages and further service breakdowns.

The party says it will escalate the matter to the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Co-operative Governance & Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) and the National Treasury, requesting urgent intervention and oversight.

Push for accountability

Describing the situation as ‘gross negligence’, the ANC maintains it will continue to push for accountability and immediate corrective action to restore stability and protect the people of uThukela.

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