Sherlocks Holmes is the world’s most celebrated fictional detective.
Lean, tall and a man famed for his powers of observation and sabre-like sarcasm, Holmes was a difficult man – only Dr Watson truly got close to him.
But it is Holmes who is needed to unravel the enigma within a mystery that has enveloped the Endumeni Municipality in recent months.
Rumours of a revival within the institute proved to be only that – rumours. The last five years have been the worst for the municipality. From stolen Mayoral cars, the sudden dismissal of competent senior managers, the appointment of obvious political connections who are less than qualified, to non-quorated meetings, re-appointing scandalised municipal managers… the list is endless.
Every five years, Courier staff breath a sigh of relief as the serving Councillors are ushered out of the Chamber where they previously ruled the roost and the newly elected Councillors take their seats.
“Well, they cannot be worse than the last lot, can they?” is the rhetorical question floating around the newsroom.
But like Manchester United fans who think that no, their team cannot possibly do worse, the Endumeni Council has a habit of pulling out a rabbit.
The last round of intrigue has senior managers – who are themselves under investigation for being naughty – ruling the roost. Just who is running the show could be a question for Johann Stemmet as the musical chairs continue to circulate in the Kremlin.

Criminals roam the streets seemingly without any fear, drug and prostitute houses are allowed to operate next to primary schools with the children and staff subjected to full nudity shows and other anti-social behaviour.

Acting managers now get appointed to act for only ten days. What can they do in that period is a mystery? Sign a few tenders?
Who knows?
Meetings are held in committee as the Councillors discuss and joust about everything except what residents are crying out for: that mysterious thing called service delivery.
Roads are falling apart (take Grove Lane in Glencoe), litter is everywhere (outside Boxer Supermarket especially on weekends), the parks are gatherings for drunken parties involving school girls and louts.
The promised CCTV cameras in the central business district are just a figment of someone’s imagination as the need to line one’s pockets overtakes any notion of principle.
Criminals roam the streets seemingly without any fear, drug and prostitute houses are allowed to operate next to primary schools with the children and staff subjected to full nudity shows and other anti-social behaviour.
The staggering crisis lurches on – the only thing they get right is the ability to send out monthly bills that the overburdened, punch drunk rate payer pays. OK, you go and sort them out, Sherlock…