Xolani Dube, the new Sarga state chairperson
TThe South African Local Government Association (Salga) in KwaZulu-Natal said it was seriously concerned by the series of political assassinations, including the Amakhosi attack, and that public safety was its number one priority.
New Sarga provincial chairperson, Xolani Dube, said service delivery and fostering a culture of transparency and resident participation in the municipality were also priorities.
Dube took up the role after his predecessor Thami Ntuli was appointed the new premier of KwaZulu-Natal and announced the association's strategic vision at his first press conference in Durban on Friday.
“We all know the bad news the media has been reporting about local governments – inefficiency, corruption, poor service delivery, etc. All of this undermines the trust residents have in their local governments,” he said.
“I welcome all these challenges and among them is the challenge of changing that narrative. We are committed to changing perceptions by bringing about concrete, positive change. First and foremost, Sarga will focus on improving service delivery.”
He said public safety was a “paramount priority” and that he would prioritise defining the role of amakhosi in local government, while urging for rapid security protection to be provided to both amakhosi and councillors who have received death threats.
“With the recent spate of political killings, [those of] “Amakhosi crime in this province is a matter of grave concern and one to which I will give my undivided attention. We will work with the South African Police Service to do all we can to combat these evils,” Dube said.
The high rate of politically motivated killings was also highlighted by recent reports that at least 10 assassinations occurred across the country in the four months between January and April this year. Of the 418 political assassinations recorded nationwide between 2000 and 2021, 213 occurred in the past seven years, with 118 in KwaZulu-Natal.
The report warned that violence and intimidation have distorted the state's political landscape and that authoritarian rule is widespread.
Dube said the local government needed to take steps to address the assassination crisis.
“If local governments have to take the initiative in providing security and VIP protection to amakhosi, they need to be clear that this is a local government prerogative. Amakhosi have a seat in local government assemblies and there must be a clear role defined,” he said.
“When there is a threat, the process cannot take too long, there needs to be a way to expedite and expedite it because too much delay tends to result in loss of life. [protection].
“We work with Cogta [cooperative governance and traditional affairs department] “The aim is to see whether local governments can take the lead in policing and ensuring security for the amakhosi. Strengthening relationships with law enforcement agencies is crucial to ensuring residents and communities feel safe and secure.”
Dube said residents have a right to know how their tax money is being spent and to see if services are being provided.
“We continue to encourage stakeholders to review the local government funding model and ensure that allocated funding is in line with the latest Stats SA report,” he said.
“Efficiency, transparency and accountability are the foundations of good governance. We will implement rigorous measures to ensure that municipal processes are transparent and accountable and foster an environment of trust and integrity.”
Everyone has the right to ensure access to clean water, adequate sanitation and electricity, he said, adding that “we will prioritize the development and maintenance of essential infrastructure to ensure these basic needs are met.”
Dube said Salga would work closely with provincial and national governments, civil society and the private sector “to overcome the challenges we face and create a future in which all KwaZulu-Natal residents can thrive”.
The association will also ensure that local governments create a supportive environment for small and medium-sized enterprises to stimulate economic growth and job creation.