Endumeni Local Municipality has denied allegations that disaster relief funds meant for storm-affected residents were misappropriated.

The Courier recently reported claims that only a portion of R800 000, allegedly received from the KwaZulu-Natal government for Wasbank residents affected by December storms, was used for building materials described as inferior and still in storage.

At the time of publication, the municipality had not responded to these allegations.

In a subsequent statement, the late acting municipal manager Martin Sithole rejected claims that any disaster relief funds had been misused.

“The municipality categorically rejects the allegations that flood relief funds were stolen or misused. These claims are unsubstantiated and misleading, and they create unnecessary panic and mistrust among affected communities,” he said.

However, the statement referred to flood damage in Sibongile in 2023 and did not directly address the allegations relating to the Wasbank storm damage highlighted in the Courier report.

Investigation underway

Sithole confirmed that a municipal portfolio committee had conducted an oversight investigation.

“The committee has compiled a report, which is currently under investigation. A progress report will be tabled at the next Executive Committee meeting,” he said.

He added that an independent investigator could be appointed if further inquiry is required.

Sithole also stated that the municipality had not received any disaster relief funding from the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) for the December 2025 incident.

“No funds were received from CoGTA during the stipulated period. Therefore, no funds could have been misappropriated or diverted,” he said.

He further clarified that the municipality has three authorised bank signatories and that no payment of R800 000 had been made to any service provider.

Referring to the Municipal Finance Management Act, Sithole said only the municipal manager may authorise withdrawals.

“To this effect, there was no such withdrawal,” he said.

The municipality reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability and responsible financial management.