Proposal to include Ward 5 in RNM rejected

Ray Nkonyeni Municipality (RNM) rejected a proposal that KwaQwabe rural area (Ward 5) in Umzumbe Municipality be incorporated in RNM.
The proposal was discussed during a sitting of council last week.

According to the council, they were not consulted nor involved in meetings held by the Municipal Demarcation Board, Umzumbe and the people of that area.

The spokesperson for RNM, Simon April had presented a request by the board to place Ward 5 under RNM.
April said that the board had a meeting with the KwaQwabe community that stated they wanted to be under RNM.

He said that council had a right to reject or agree to the proposal, and they can do so by writing to the board.

“We have no information as to who put the request forward. Council must also be aware that even if they reject KwaQwabe, it does not mean it’s the end of the matter because the final decision is taken by the board.”
April said it will all depend on the reasons stated by RNM.

Council further discussed if KwaQwabe is under RNM, the number of wards will increase and the cost thereof.
Council also raised it would have to provide service delivery and that it would require more money.
KwaQwabe is a rural area near Oshabeni which does not pay rates and therefore will not be contributing any revenue to the municipality.

The municipal manager, Khetha Zulu confirmed that no extra funds will be received if Ward 5 is incorporated in RNM.

However, he also said that if council approved the proposal, it would have to spend money and deliver services to KwaQwabe.

Council then voted against KwaQwabe being placed under RNM.

* Bheki Wiseman Cele was sworn in as a ward councillor for Ward 23 in Boboyi.
Cele won the by-elections in December last year with 2 093 votes. The by-election was held after the death of Clr Mfanufikile Mngqosini.

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